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} - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } -</style> -<title>THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH</title> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Boy Allies with Marshal Foch or, The Closing Days of the Great World War" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="50166" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Clair W. Hayes" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2015-10-08" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Boy Allies with Marshal Foch" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1919" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators/" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.title" content="The Boy Allies with Marshal Foch or, The Closing Days of the Great World War" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.source" content="/home/ajhaines/boy/boy.rst" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.language" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" content="en" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.modified" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" content="2015-10-09T05:09:25.044678+00:00" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.publisher" content="Project Gutenberg" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.rights" content="Public Domain in the USA." /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50166" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.creator" content="Clair W. Hayes" /> -<meta name="DCTERMS.created" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" content="2015-10-08" /> -<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width" /> -<meta name="generator" content="Ebookmaker 0.4.0a5 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-boy-allies-with-marshal-foch"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States -and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no -restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> included with -this ebook or online at </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>. If you -are not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws -of the country where you are located before using this ebook.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Boy Allies with Marshal Foch -<br /> or, The Closing Days of the Great World War -<br /> -<br />Author: Clair W. Hayes -<br /> -<br />Release Date: October 08, 2015 [EBook #50166] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 65%" id="figure-31"> -<span id="cover-art"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover art" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover art</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-32"> -<span id="before-either-lad-could-produce-a-weapon-a-shrill-voice-cried-in-german-hands-up-there-page-25"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Before either lad could produce a weapon, a shrill voice cried in German: "Hands up, there!" Page 25" src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Before either lad could produce a weapon, a shrill voice -<br />cried in German: "Hands up, there!" Page </span><a class="italics reference internal" href="#id1">25</a></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="container titlepage"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 59%" id="figure-33"> -<span id="title-page"></span><img class="align-center block center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Title page" src="images/img-title.jpg" /> -<div class="caption center centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Title page</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold xx-large">The Boy Allies</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold x-large">With Marshal Foch</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">OR</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">The Closing Days of the Great -<br />World War</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">By CLAIR W. HAYES</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF -<br />"The Boy Allies With the Army Series"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">A. L. BURT COMPANY -<br />NEW YORK</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Copyright, 1919 -<br />By A. L. BURT COMPANY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">THE BOY ALLIES</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">(Registered in the United States Patent Office)</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">WITH THE ARMY SERIES</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">By Clair W. Hayes</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies at Liege -or, Through Lines of Steel</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies on the Firing Line -or, Twelve Days Battle along the Marne</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies with the Cossacks -or, A Wild Dash over the Carpathians</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies in the Trenches -or, Midst Shot and Shell along the Aisne</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies in Great Peril -or, With the Italian Army in the Alps</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies in the Balkan Campaign -or, The Struggle to Save a Nation</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies on the Somme -or, Courage and Bravery Rewarded</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies at Verdun -or, Saving France from the Enemy</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies under the Stars and Stripes -or, Leading the American Troops to the Firing Line</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies with Haig in Flanders -or, The Fighting Canadians of Vimy Ridge</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies with Pershing in France -or, Over the Top at Chateau-Thierry</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies with the Great Advance -or, Driving the Enemy through France and Belgium</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Boy Allies with Marshal Foch -or, The Closing Days of The Great World War.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CONTENTS</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">CHAPTER</span></p> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#good-news">Good News</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#through-the-lines">Through the Lines</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#among-the-enemy">Among the Enemy</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chester-is-indiscreet">Chester is Indiscreet</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#an-enemy-plot-bared">An Enemy Plot Bared</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#an-encounter">An Encounter</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-advance">The Advance</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#toward-sedan">Toward Sedan</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-battle">The Battle</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-advance-continues">The Advance Continues</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-new-mission">A New Mission</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#hal-meets-an-obstacle">Hal Meets an Obstacle</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#chester-to-the-rescue">Chester to the Rescue</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-closing-of-the-net">The Closing of the Net</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-capture-of-sedan">The Capture of Sedan</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#an-unexpected-honor">An Unexpected Honor</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#stubbs-again">Stubbs Again</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-message-from-the-enemy">A Message from the Enemy</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#hirson">Hirson</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-german-envoys-arrive">The German Envoys Arrive</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#stubbs-scoop">Stubbs' Scoop</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#spa">Spa</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-kaiser-abdicates">The Kaiser Abdicates</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-trouble-again">In Trouble Again</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-battle">A Battle</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-conference-resumed">The Conference Resumed</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#stubbs-redeems-himself">Stubbs Redeems Himself</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-end-draws-near">The End draws near</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-last-zero">The Last Zero</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#conclusion">Conclusion</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="good-news"><span class="bold x-large">THE BOY ALLIES -<br />WITH MARSHAL FOCH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER I</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">GOOD NEWS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Heard the news, Hal?" asked Chester excitedly -as he dashed into the small but comfortable dugout -where the two boys were quartered with the -Thirty-second division of American troops a few miles -to the east of Rheims.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Hal Paine, "what news?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Austria has sued for peace; it's the beginning of -the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rats!" said Frank. "I've heard that before. I -guess you're a bit premature, Chester."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit of it," declared Major Chester -Crawford emphatically. "I had the news from Colonel -O'Neil himself. He says Austria has made overtures -for an armistice, looking toward a permanent -peace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, an armistice," said Major Paine. "That's -a horse of another color."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it means peace soon," protested Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It might ordinarily," Hal agreed, "but you must -remember that dealing with enemies such as we have -now, there is no telling what may happen. I don't -know so much about the Austrians, but the -Germans are a treacherous lot, and I've no doubt that -long association with men of that ilk has taught -the Austrians a thing or two. No, Chester, take -my word for it, there is nothing to your news. Even -if the Austrians have made such overtures, you -may be sure there is a trick in it some place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! You're an optimistic sort, aren't -you?" said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal. "I'm not quite as credulous -as you seem to be. Besides, why should Austria sue -for peace now? It's true that she is getting the -worst of the argument, as is Germany; but to my -mind she is a long way from being compelled to -throw up the sponge. Then, too, she wouldn't have -the nerve to leave Germany in the lurch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same, I'm taking the news for true," -declared Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal shrugged his shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To whom were these overtures addressed?" he -asked at length.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To President Wilson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that so? Well, it would seem that the -Austrians had looked to the proper place. It would -seem they knew who, perhaps, would let them down -the easiest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But they won't be let down easily," said -Chester. "What's the matter with you anyhow? You -know as well as I do that they must make full -reparation for the ruin they have caused."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly," said Hal, "which is the reason I say -that no such overtures have been made; or if they -have, they were prompted by some hidden motive."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Personally," said Chester, "I don't care what -you think. You are so confounded wise it's a -wonder General Pershing hasn't resigned in your favor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, now, Chester," replied Hal. "Don't get -sore. Can't you take a little joke?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't call that much of a joke. I came with -a piece of news I thought you would be anxious to -hear, and all you've done is scoff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind," said Hal. "Personally, as I have -said, I am inclined to the belief that you are all -wrong, but at the same time I hope you are right. -However, time will tell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester was about to reply, but the sound of -hurried footsteps without restrained him. A moment -later there was a knock at the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come in," called Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A lieutenant, whom the lads recognized as attached -to Colonel O'Neil's staff, entered and came -to attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it, lieutenant?" asked Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Colonel O'Neil desires your presence in his -quarters at once, sir," replied the lieutenant; "and, -Major Paine also."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall follow you at once, lieutenant," said -Hal, reaching for his helmet, which lay on his cot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant saluted again, turned on his heel -and departed. Hal and Chester followed him a -few moments later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought it was about time we had something -to do," said Hal as they hurried along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Chester agreed. "We've been pretty -quiet for the last week. I shall be glad to get busy -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal Paine and Chester Crawford, natives of a -small Illinois town, had been chums from early -childhood. Together they had gone to school, -toured the lumber country of the northwest where -Hal's father owned large tracts of land; travelled -extensively, and fought and played. So close had -they been in their school days that their companions -had dubbed them "The Boy Allies." More than -one lad of more mature years had found to his -sorrow that when he "picked on" one of them he -had two to contend with.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the outbreak of the great European war Hal -and Chester were in Berlin with the former's mother. -They were caught there by the German mobilization, -and in attempting to get out of the German -capitol, were separated from Mrs. Paine. Thrown -thus upon their own resources, the two lads gave -the first evidence of that resourcefulness which -later was to stand them in good stead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They joined forces with a French and an English -officer and, after considerable excitement and -adventure, reached the Belgian frontier just in time -to be with the forces of King Albert when they -made their desperate but futile stand at Liege.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In an unofficial capacity, the boys were able to -render some little assistance to the Belgian -commander, and later, through the latter's efforts, were -permitted to join the Belgian forces. Several -months later they found themselves commissioned -lieutenants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester had seen active service in all -the theaters of war. They were with the British -in France and Flanders; they served under General -Joffre and under General Petain, French commanders, -at the first battle of Verdun, when the German -advance was checked just as it seemed the enemy -must break through to Paris. They fought with -the Cossacks on the eastern front, with the Italians -in the Alps and with the Serbians and Montenegrins -in the Balkans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the time the United States declared war on -Germany, Hal and Chester were captains in the -service of King George of England, serving at the -time under Field Marshal Haig. With other Americans -in the allied army, however, they were selected -to return to the United States, where for some -months they lent invaluable service to Uncle Sam -in drilling raw recruits at the army training camps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Such excellent reputations had they won, -however, that when the first American expeditionary -force sailed for France, Hal and Chester found -themselves among them. Since their return, they -had taken active parts in the American advance. -They had been with the Marines at Chateau-Thierry -and Belleau Wood; they had been with the heroic -Thirty-second division which had won undying -fame in the Argonne forest, where the American -forces had been all but annihilated under the -German fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now they had been resting for several days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The turning point in the great war had come -and gone. The full power of American might was -making itself felt on the western battle front, where -the Yankee troops time and again had proved -themselves the masters of the best the German emperor -had to offer. The tide had turned at Chateau-Thierry -in the early summer, and from that time -on the Americans, under the leadership of "Black -Jack" Pershing, had pressed their advantage at -every opportunity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the unprejudiced observer it was apparent -that the Germans were already beaten. True, they -might fight on for days, weeks or months, but their -offensive power had been broken by the million -and more Americans who had been hurled against -them. There was nothing at the moment to indicate -that the German emperor, his advisors, or the -German people, were willing to cry for peace, but -it was plain that the ultimate outcome was only a -question of time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From time to time came rumors of internal -disorders in Germany. These, however, could not be -substantiated, and for that reason it was impossible -to tell that Germany was on the eve of a revolution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gradually the allies and the American forces had -pushed their battle lines toward the east. Much of -France and of Belgium, for almost four years -occupied by the Germans, had been reclaimed. -Everywhere, where there was fighting, the advantage -rested with the allies. No longer did the Germans -dash to the attack with the impetuosity that -characterized their attacks in the early dawn of the war. -Their morale had been broken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even the crack Prussian Guards, the flower of -the German army, had been decisively beaten by the -Americans at Chateau-Thierry. Hurled into the -battle at the last moment in an attempt to stem the -advance of American soldiers and marines, they -had proved unequal to the task. The Yankees had -proved their masters at every turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was nothing for the Germans to do but -retreat. This they did, slowly, contesting every inch -of the ground. Gradually, however, their retreat -became faster, and at some places it developed into -utter rout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Late in July of 1918 the enemy had been cleared -from the greater part of France and Belgium. In -fact, in Alsace-Lorraine, American troops were on -German soil and threatening the strong fortresses -of Metz and Strassburg. Germans had been cleared -from the Argonne forest, which, in the enemy's -possession, had proved one of the greatest menaces -to the allied advance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It appeared that the time was drawing near for -a decisive blow by Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The time was to come sooner than either Hal or -Chester could possibly have conceived, and both -boys were to bear a full burden of the fighting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the quarters of Colonel O'Neil, Hal and Chester -waited a few moments before being ushered into -the former's presence. But their time came eventually, -and they hurried into Colonel O'Neil's office and -stood at attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel O'Neil looked up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, how do you feel, Major?" he asked of Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pretty well, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good. And you, Major Crawford?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good," said Colonel O'Neil again. "I'm glad -to hear it, for I've an important piece of work that -must be done at once and I wouldn't feel like -calling upon you unless you are perfectly fit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're perfectly fit, sir," declared Chester -eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Draw up chairs here, then," said the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys obeyed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="through-the-lines"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER II</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THROUGH THE LINES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"I suppose," said Colonel O'Neil, "you have both -heard the rumor that Austria has sued for peace?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Chester, "and I have tried to -convince Hal of it, but he is inclined to be skeptical."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And with good reason," declared Colonel O'Neil. -"I don't place much confidence in the report myself. -Nor, it seems, do my superiors. In fact, it is in -regard to that report that I have summoned you here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal smiled slightly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To me it seems the report is too good to be -true," he volunteered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My sentiments exactly, Major," said Colonel -O'Neil. "Nevertheless, it is, of course, possible -that the report is true, and if it is true, it is the -beginning of the end. However, before the general -staff can take advantage of the report, it must -be verified absolutely. With Austria suing for -peace, and Bulgaria and Turkey virtually out of the -war, we can strike such a blow at the Germans on -the west front as will mean the end of the war -before Christmas."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see," said Chester, "and it is to obtain -confirmation of the report that you have summoned us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly," declared the colonel. "It stands to -reason that if Austria has made peace overtures, -the German general staff will know of it. Also, -for that matter, will practically every man in the -German army. It would appear that if we could -place a man behind the enemy's lines, he could, with -caution and discretion, learn the truth of the -matter. I have called you here to offer you this -opportunity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And we accept it, of course, sir," declared Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course," Chester repeated after his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" exclaimed Colonel O'Neil. "I knew I -could depend on you. General Rowan asked me to -put the mission in the most capable hands I could -find, and being familiar with your records, I know -that my selection could not be better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Hal and Chester in a single -voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," went on the colonel, "I don't want to -hamper you with a lot of foolish and needless -instructions, but I do want to impress upon you that -the sooner the matter is cleared up the better. You -will both be granted indefinite leave of absence, -but I would ask that you return at the earliest -possible moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall, sir," said Chester quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then," replied Colonel O'Neil; "that -is all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads saluted and left the colonel's quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal, as they made their way back to -their own quarters, "this is an expedition after my -own heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Chester agreed. "I suppose that it's -necessary to keep some of us sitting quietly around -here, but at the same time I would rather it were -someone besides me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here. But I'll bet some of the rest of the -fellows would be tickled to death with our luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Naturally; why shouldn't they be? Now the -question before the house is the best method of -crossing safely into the German lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And of getting safely out again," said Hal dryly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That goes without saying. But we've got to get -there first. The return trip will be considered -later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are ways enough of getting there," said -Hal. "Automobile, airplane, afoot or a-horseback. -Take your choice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Airship for me," said Chester; "its quicker and -promises a greater degree of success."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll make that unanimous," said Hal. "Airship -is my vote, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess we'd better wait until along toward -midnight, though," Chester suggested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, chiefly because there is less likelihood of -our being discovered at that hour. Guards will be -posted, of course, but we've eluded them before -and we can do it again. Also, arriving within -the enemy's lines after midnight, will give us the -chance of mingling with the German troops -without so great a risk of discovery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any way suits me," said Hal. "First thing to -do, now that we have decided upon our means of -locomotion, is to find a plane."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll commandeer one from Captain Nicholas," -said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right. Tell him to have it ready at midnight -sharp."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," said Chester and hastened away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal meantime returned to their quarters and -threw himself down upon his bunk. He was reclining -at ease when Chester entered to report the -airplane arranged for.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain Nicholas said he would have it in flying -trim exactly at midnight," said Chester. "Now, my -advice is that we discard our uniforms and climb -into German attire if we can round up the -necessities."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess that can be done, too, without any trouble," -said Hal. "We've plenty of prisoners here. -All we have to do is to change with them. I should -say that Captain Nicholas could attend to that, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll suggest it to him," said Chester, and took -his departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad was back within the hour with two -German uniforms, which had once adorned the forms -of German captains of infantry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Seems we're losing rank here," commented Hal -with a laugh. "You might at least have robbed a -couple of generals or field marshals."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take what you can get these days and be -thankful," grinned Chester. "Also, ask no questions. -According to Captain Nicholas, even this pair of -captains objected strenuously to being deprived of -their uniforms. I imagine a general would have -put up a terrible howl."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're probably right," Hal agreed. "Well, -we'll be satisfied with what we have. If we're -discovered it won't make much difference whether -we're attired as privates or the kaiser himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, a firing squad could shoot through one as -well as the other," Chester replied. "Now, all we -have to do is wait until midnight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In which event," said Hal, "I shall woo sweet -morpheus for two hours and fifteen minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two hours and fifteen minutes is right," said -Chester after a glance at his watch. "I'll follow -suit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes later both lads were stretched out -in their bunks fast asleep. They slept soundly, but -not so soundly, however, that they did not wake at -the desired minute.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At fifteen minutes to twelve, Hal opened his -eyes and sat up. Chester yawned, stretched and sat -up a minute later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time to be moving," he said, glancing at his -watch again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Hal agreed. "I'll be inside this -German uniform in three minutes by the clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was; and Chester found himself suitably -attired a moment later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now for the plane," said the latter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way to where a two-seated biplane -was being guarded by several soldiers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, men," said Hal, "you can turn in -now. We'll take charge of this craft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The soldiers saluted and took their departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's be moving," said Chester. "Into the -pilot's seat with you, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thought maybe you wanted to do the driving -this time, Chester," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a poor joke, Hal," declared Chester. "I -don't want to die right this minute, and I guess you -don't, either."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Which is the reason I'm not going to argue with -you who will do the piloting," Hal declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He clambered into the pilot's seat, and Chester -took his place in the observer's compartment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All set?" called Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All set," was Chester's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her go, then," said Hal, and the single guard -who had remained gave the machine momentum -with a vigorous push.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The machine moved slowly across the ground at -first, then, under Hal's guiding hand, dashed on -swifter and swifter. Hal touched the elevating -lever and the airplane soared into the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Chester had been aloft many times, but he -had never reached a point where he was not affected -by the sensation of the earth dropping away from -him. For a moment he clung to the side of the car. -His head cleared, in a twinkling, however, and he -breathed a sigh of relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Chester," Hal called back, not taking -the time to turn his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," was Chester's reply. "Step on her, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal obeyed this injunction, and the plane darted -in the direction of the distant enemy like a big bird.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no light aboard the craft that carried -the two lads toward the German lines. On either -side, above and below, however, Hal could see now. -and then a faint twinkle, indicating that other -American craft, bent upon no such dangerous -mission as Hal and Chester, still were on the alert to -prevent a possible surprise attack by the foe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These lights were soon gone, however, and now -all that Chester could see was the faint outline of -Hal's head before him. He looked back, but the -last of the American lights had been lost in the -distance. Ahead, the German lines were still too far -distant for a plane to be distinguishable should it -be on guard aloft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The night was very dark. For this Hal felt -thankful, for it meant that, barring accidents and -the rays of German searchlights, he had more -opportunity of guiding his craft into the enemy lines, -unobserved. Could he escape the prying eyes of -the foe's sentinels of the sky, he felt that he had -nothing to fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The distance between the German and allied lines -at that point, Hal knew, was less than three-quarters -of a mile. This distance was covered in a jiffy, -but still Hal kept the nose of the craft pointed due -east, for it was his intention to come down well -within the foe's lines rather than to risk a landing -near the front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But at last he felt he had gone far enough. His -hand tightened on the controls and gradually the -speed of the plane slackened. Chester leaned -forward, and putting his mouth close to Hal's ears, -exclaimed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Going down here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," was Hal's reply. "May as well, I guess. -It should be as safe as any place. Suit you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester shrugged in the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm satisfied if you are," he replied. "Shoot!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plane began to descend.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="among-the-enemy"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER III</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AMONG THE ENEMY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The aircraft settled to earth in the darkness as -gently as a huge bird and Hal and Chester stepped -out silently. For a moment they stood trying to -get their bearings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where do you figure we are?" asked Chester in -a low tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We should be a mile due east of Sedan," was -Hal's reply. "I saw the lights of the city below as -we passed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sedan, eh?" said Chester. "What memories of -school days that name conjures up, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it does," was Hal's whispered response: "Of -Bismarck, of Napoleon III and of the French defeat -in the deciding battle of the Franco-Prussian war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a glorious thing it would be if the French -could strike a decisive blow at the Germans here -now," muttered Chester. "It would be retribution."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No less," Hal agreed; "and still, to my mind, -it would be extremely better if the decisive blow -were delivered by American troops, whether at -Sedan or elsewhere."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right, as usual, Hal," was Chester's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And although neither lad knew it then, it was to -be the fortune of American troops to wrest Sedan -from the hands of the invader and to be the first -forces of democracy to tread the streets of the -historic city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've talked enough, Chester," Hal whispered. -"It's time for action."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's be on the move, then," Chester whispered -back. "Which way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Might as well head toward the city, I guess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How about the plane here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal shrugged in the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll have to leave it, I guess. If we're not -back by morning it will be discovered, of course, -and a search instituted for its occupants."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Which might lead to our discovery," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Hal shrugged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It might, of course," he agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then why not pull it in among the trees there?" -Chester wanted to know, pointing to a clump of -trees a short distance away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bad idea," Hal declared. "I hadn't -noticed the trees, myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As Stubbs would say, you must be more observing," -was Chester's response. "Lay hold here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With some effort the boys wheeled the plane into -the little clump of trees and then stepped forth -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It may do," said Hal, eyeing the hiding place -carefully in the darkness. "It's invisible enough now, -but I don't know how well the foliage will protect -the plane in daylight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's the best we can do, at all events," declared -Chester. "Come, let's be on our way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May as well, I guess," said Hal, and led the way -toward the distant city of Sedan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From time to time the lads passed hurrying -figures as they walked along, but they were not so -much as accosted. In their German uniforms, they -felt reasonably safe, particularly so as their features -were concealed by the darkness. Once in the city, -however, they knew they would have to exercise -greater caution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nevertheless they entered the outskirts of the city -with firm tread and headed directly toward the -center of town. Neither had been in Sedan before -and each was conscious of the utter foolishness of -prowling around the edge of the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We've got to get among the foe if we want to -learn anything," Hal said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few lights still twinkled in the city, despite the -lateness of the hour. On what appeared to be the -main street, the lads made out a fairly large hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess that's our destination," said Chester, -pointing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's the place," he said, "though I don't know -what we'll do when we get there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Events will shape themselves," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what worries me. If I could shape them -according to my own needs and desires it would -be much better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't croak, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not croaking. I'm merely remarking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You remark a whole lot on the style of Anthony -Stubbs, if you ask me," declared Chester. "Come -on, let's go into the hotel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal made sure that his revolvers were ready in -his pockets before he followed Chester through the -door. Both lads kept their caps well over their -eyes, for while there was little danger of their -being suspected, their countenances lacked the heavy -sluggishness of the Germans—a fact which should -it be noticed, might call for questions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At one side of the small lobby was a desk. -Chester approached it. A man rose to greet him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We want a room for the night," said Chester -gruffly in German, using the commanding and -ill-bred tone always affected by German officers in -talking to inferiors in rank or civilians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man threw wide his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm sorry, Herr Captain," he said humbly, "but -all the rooms are occupied."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" said Chester angrily. "I said that my -friend and I desire a room, and a room we will -have if we have to trundle your guests out into the -street."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But——" protested the hotel clerk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Silence!" thundered Chester. "Now answer -me. You have a room of your own, have you not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Herr Captain, but——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Silence!" cried Chester again. "Your key, if -you please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the man seemed on the point of protesting, -and Chester stepped quickly toward him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your key," he said again, and extended his -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The clerk's hand reached to his pocket, and he -extended a key to Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Herr Captain," he said humbly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now lead the way to our room," commanded -Chester, "and in future know that when an officer -of the emperor commands, it is for you to obey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Herr Captain," said the man as he led the -way toward the rear of the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There he preceded Hal and Chester up a flight -of stairs and turned to the left. They walked down -a long hall until they reached a door at the extreme -end. Here the guide stopped, turned to Chester -and opened his mouth to speak.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Silence!" said Chester sharply. "Open the door."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hotel clerk shrugged his shoulders in a manner -that meant he washed his hands of the outcome -and tried the knob of the door. The door swung -inward and the clerk stood aside to allow Hal and -Chester to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was dark in the room as the lads stepped across -to the threshold. But hardly had they set foot in -the room when a brilliant light shot forth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment the lads were blinded, but they -were conscious of a startled ejaculation from the -hotel clerk, who still stood without.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha!" he exclaimed. "I thought so. Now for -it, my dear Herr Captain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext" id="id1"><span>When the lights flared up, Hal and Chester both -dropped their hands to their revolvers. But before -either could produce a weapon, a shrill voice cried -in German:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hands up, there!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was nothing for the lads to do but obey. -They still had not had time to accustom their eyes -to the sudden light so were unable to distinguish -the owner of the voice. But gradually their vision -cleared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester glanced sharply at the man who had -stopped them. He sat up in bed and in both hands -he held a revolver squarely levelled at the two lads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester gave a sudden start. At the same moment -the man in the bed gave vent to a queer sound -and his revolvers wavered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester leaped forward and possessed himself -of the two revolvers with several quick movements. -One of these he levelled at the man in the bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hands up!" he commanded sharply. The man -in the bed opened his mouth to speak. "Silence!" -cried Chester. "Not a word." He turned to Hal, -who for the moment had been staring in -open-mouthed wonder. "Explain to the clerk, Hal," said -Chester, "that we will take possession of this room, -also of its occupant. It might be well to tell him -that he should have informed us his room was -occupied. We will discuss that later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I tried to tell you, Herr Captain," declared -the frightened clerk. "You would not listen, Herr -Captain!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Silence!" commanded Chester. "Leave the -room, and not one word about this matter as you -value your life. We shall take charge of your other -guest here. I've no doubt we shall all be good -friends in the morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still the clerk hesitated, but Hal settled the -argument. He stepped quickly toward the clerk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get out!" he commanded sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The hotel clerk vanished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime the man in the bed had been -gazing at the two lads in astonishment. With his -captured revolvers still in his hands, Chester -approached him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he said, "and what are you doing here, -if I may ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! I don't see that it is any business -of yours what I am doing here," was the reply in -English. "I might ask the same of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you might get the same answer, Mr. Stubbs," -said Hal. "Threatened to shoot us when -we came in, didn't you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why shouldn't I?" demanded Anthony -Stubbs, war correspondent of the New York -Gazette and companion of Hal and Chester on many -a perilous venture. "When a man breaks into -another man's room the first thing the man in the -room naturally thinks about is something with -which to protect himself. I had those guns under -my pillow and when I heard you come in, I pressed -the electric light button and grabbed the guns."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it's fortunate you didn't use 'em, Stubbs," -said Hal. "If you had shot me and I had found -it out, I'd have had to lay you across my knee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You would, eh?" grumbled Stubbs. "I guess -you would find that quite a job."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, come, Stubbs," said Chester: "and you, -too, Hal. We're in a ticklish position and there -is no time for foolishness. What are you doing -here, Stubbs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Stubbs, "I'll tell you; but as you'll -have to spend the night here, make yourselves -comfortable. Sit down."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chester-is-indiscreet"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CHESTER IS INDISCREET</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"First," Stubbs began, when the boys had pulled -their chairs close to his bed and he had propped -himself up with a pair of pillows, "first I want to -know what you mean, Chester, by jumping me the -way you did a few minutes ago?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Chester, "you had a pair of guns -wabbling in your hands and I was afraid one might -accidentally go off. Safety first, Mr. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That sounds all right," was Stubbs' dry comment, -"or rather, I should say, it would sound all -right if I didn't know you so well. It's my candid -opinion you just jumped me because a good -opportunity presented itself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, "you know I -wouldn't——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I do, do I?" exclaimed Stubbs sarcastically. -"I know all about you, Chester, you can bet on that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then maybe you can tell me what Hal and I -are doing here," replied Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I can't do that exactly, but its a safe -assertion that you are up to your old snooping tricks -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then why are you here, Mr. Stubbs?" Chester -wanted to know.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs smiled wryly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you have me there, my boy," he said -good-naturedly. "I'm here to snoop a little myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As I thought," Hal put in. "By any chance, -Mr. Stubbs, have you heard rumors that Austria -has or is about to sue for peace?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs sat up straight in bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now where did you get that idea?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because we're here in an attempt to verify that -rumor," was Hal's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs sighed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, there is no use trying to conceal my -mission," he said; "and yet I was in hopes I was the -possessor of information that would give me a -'scoop' for my paper; or an exclusive 'beat,' if you -like that better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But surely you didn't hope to have such information -if it were not known to the military authorities," -protested Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why didn't I?" demanded Stubbs, with -some heat. "Let me tell you something, my boy. -It's no infrequent thing for a newspaper man to -gain knowledge of a certain thing long before it -comes to the ears of the proper authorities."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then it is up to you to acquaint the proper -authorities with your information," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit of it. Not a bit of it. My duty is to -get the facts to my paper ahead of the correspondents -of the other papers. That's what I'm paid for; -and you can bet I'll do it if I get a chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all beside the question right now, Mr. Stubbs," -said Chester. "It seems that you are here -on a mission similar to ours. Now the question -is, shall we join forces or shall we work separately?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know," said Stubbs. "You see, I've been -on the ground longer than you have and have -already made considerable progress. Looks to me -like I'd be giving you my information in return -for nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, of course if that's the way you feel about -it," said Chester, considerably nettled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold on, now!" protested Stubbs. "Not so fast, -if you please. I didn't say I wouldn't throw in with -you, did I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you didn't say it," returned Chester -significantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then don't cry until you're hurt," enjoined -Stubbs. "At the same time there is another reason -that tells me to let you go at this thing in your own -way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That," returned Stubbs, "is because every time -I get mixed up with you fellows I get in trouble. -Either I'm moving forward a couple of leaps ahead -of a bayonet, or I'm all snarled up in a knot of -struggling Germans; and I don't like that, I tell -you. I'm a peaceable man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, yes, we know how peaceable you are," said -Hal. "We're perfectly willing to bank on your -courage, Mr. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm not exactly willing to bank on it myself," -replied Stubbs grumblingly, but he was plainly -pleased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whatever you think best, Mr. Stubbs," said -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surely, Chester," said Stubbs, "you didn't take -me seriously? Surely you knew that I am willing to -do whatever I can to further the cause of America -and her allies. I was simply joking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe you were," returned Chester, not at all -convinced, "but all I've got to say is that you have -a mighty poor way of showing it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll do better," said Stubbs. "Listen." He -proceeded in a low tone. "I've been here for -two days. I heard rumors some time ago that -Austria and Germany were at the breaking point. -Bulgaria, out of the war, as she has been for -several weeks, it became apparent that Germany's other -two allies would soon leave her in the lurch. Now -Turkey doesn't matter so much, although with the -Ottomans out of the war the strain on the allies -will be lessened considerably. But with Austria—the -kaiser's most important and powerful ally, ready -to quit—the moment seems auspicious. Now, I -wanted to be on the ground floor when the news -broke. That's why I took a chance and sneaked -through the German lines; that's why I'm here.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's why we're here, too," said Hal quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, "you inferred -that you had already learned something. What is -it, if I may ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't exactly say that," protested Stubbs. -"However, I have found what in the newspaper -business is called a 'leak' and I have hopes it will -produce some news before many hours have passed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what is this leak, Mr. Stubbs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why," said Mr. Stubbs, "its none other than -our friend the night clerk whom you so -unceremoniously ordered from the room a few minutes -ago. He thinks I'm a pretty regular fellow. The -reason is plain enough. I've been supplying him -with tobacco for the last two days."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both lads smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no wonder then," said Chester. "Tobacco -is one of the luxuries in Germany to-day. But who -are you supposed to be, Mr. Stubbs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Me?" said Stubbs, "why I'm nothing more than -a German-American who was caught in Germany -by the war, who is in sympathy with the German -cause and not at all anxious to get back to the -States. In fact, the clerk is positive I'd be wearing -a German uniform if I were not above military age."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you're not above the German military age, -Mr. Stubbs," Hal protested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, the clerk doesn't know that," said Stubbs -significantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a pretty shrewd customer, Mr. Stubbs," -said Chester. "I guess if you've managed to fool -the clerk this long you'll get by, all right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will, unless you get me mixed up in some of -your scrapes," declared Stubbs. "But you boys -must be tired. Ring the bell there for the clerk. -I'll tell him that we have found we have mutual -friends and that I will permit you to spend the -night in my room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The clerk returned in response to the summons -and Stubbs outlined the situation. The clerk offered -no protest; in fact, he offered to supply cots -for Mr. Stubbs' visitors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These arrived directly and as soon as the clerk -withdrew, Hal and Chester tumbled into their beds. -"There is nothing that may be done to-night," -said Stubbs. "Get a good rest, boys."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of the fact that it was late when they -retired, all three were up bright and early in the -morning and went to breakfast in the small dining -room of the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they were finishing their coffee—without -sugar or cream, by the way, these being other -verboten luxuries in Germany—Chester's attention was -arrested by the entrance of a tall, stately German -woman, accompanied by a girl of perhaps eighteen -years. They sat down at a table but three removed -from where the friends were seated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal followed the direction of Chester's eyes and -smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't play the gallant now," he whispered in a -low voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester flushed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" he said. "You're the limit. Can't -a fellow look at a pretty girl without drawing some -such remark from you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I know you so well," laughed Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rats!" Chester ejaculated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that moment two young German officers -entered the room and strode toward the table where -mother and daughter—as Chester had surmised the -two to be—sat. They stopped suddenly, noticing -apparently for the first time that the table was -occupied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Himmel!" one exclaimed. "Conditions are -pretty bad when a man cannot find a seat at his -own table."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The words were plainly audible to the mother, -and daughter, and their faces turned red. The -elder made as though to rise, but the girl restrained -her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have as much right here as they have, -Mother," she said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester grinned to himself. It did him good to -hear the girl talk like that, for he had not been -favorably impressed with the appearance of the -officers—both in the uniform of captains—in the first -place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall have to ask you to leave our table," -said the German officer who had spoken before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the girl who protested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll stay where we are," she said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German grew angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is this the manner in which to treat one of his -majesty's officers?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl deigned no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you hear me?" demanded the German again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German stepped quickly forward, and laying -his hand on the back of the girl's chair, jerked it -back from the table. As he did so, the girl leaped -to her feet. Her hand shot out and the German -staggered back, his face red where the girl's open -palm had struck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Himmel!" he cried angrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stepped forward and seized the girl by -the wrist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Chester had been watching these proceedings -with rising indignation. When the man seized the -girl's wrist, for the moment Chester lost all thought -of his surroundings, threw caution to the winds -and rose quickly. As quickly he stepped across the -room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let the girl alone," he growled angrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German wheeled on him, and recognizing in -the lad no superior officer, stood his ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And who are you?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll show you," said Chester angrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He struck out with his right fist. "Smack." The -German staggered back.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="an-enemy-plot-bared"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER V</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AN ENEMY PLOT BARED</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Hal and Stubbs were on their feet immediately. -Both hurried to Chester's side. Seeing these -reinforcements, the friend of the first German officer, -who had advanced apparently to aid his companion, -stepped back. So did the man who had gripped -the girl's wrist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment the latter glared angrily at Chester. -Then his hand dropped to his holster. But -before he could draw a weapon, Chester whipped -out his own automatic and covered him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None of that," the lad said angrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Realizing that he had been caught in a position, -not to his credit, the first German sought to temporize.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm sorry if I was a bit hasty," he apologized to -the German girl and her mother. "The truth is, -I have had little rest lately, my nerves are bad and -I am easily disturbed. I apologize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The girl accepted the apology with a slight -inclination of her head. Her mother said nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German turned to Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You struck me, sir," he said, "and under different -conditions I would demand satisfaction. But -in this case, you acted very properly. I would have -done the same in your place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He bowed to Chester, who lowered his revolver -and slowly returned it to its holster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was the moment for which the treacherous -German had been waiting. Suddenly he whipped -out his own revolver.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Hal, too, had been on the alert. A peculiar -look in the German's eye had warned the lad that -the man was bent on mischief. Therefore, Hal's -revolver flashed forth a second sooner than that -of Chester's enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Drop that!" called Hal sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German obeyed. There was nothing else for -him to do. His head dropped, and a guilty flush -crept over his face. Hal stepped forward and -picked up the man's revolver, which he stowed -safely in his own pocket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought you betrayed your true characteristics -when you insulted these ladies," said Hal. "I -am sure of it now. I shall make it my business to -see that this matter is reported to the proper -authorities. You may go now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without a word, and followed by his companion, -the German turned and strode toward the door. As -he would have passed out, he stopped suddenly and -brought his heels together and saluted sharply. His -companion did likewise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later a figure in the uniform of a -German general of infantry stepped into the room. He -halted just inside the door, as he took in the -situation about him. The others still stood as they had -when Chester's opponent had left them, and the -general realized instantly that something was amiss. -Hal and Chester saluted as the general strode across -the room without so much as a glance at them, and -addressed the mother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the matter?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the girl again who replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That man insulted me, father," she said, indicating -Chester's erstwhile foe, and in a few brief -words she told how Chester had come to her assistance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general saluted Chester, then Hal in turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will talk with you later, sirs," he said. "Right -now I have other business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He strode across the room to where the young -German officers stood, awaiting permission to take -their departure. Straight the general went to the -man who had accosted his daughter, stopped close -to him, raised his right arm and brought his open -palm stingingly across the other's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let that teach you," he said, "that a German -officer does not insult women of his own race."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German captain staggered back, but said -nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may go now," said the general. "You will -hear more from me later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young officers left the room hurriedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Knoff, for as such the general now introduced -himself to Hal, Chester and Stubbs, addressed -Chester quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have befriended my wife and my daughter," -he said. "I thank you, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester saluted again, but made no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is my wish that you all join us at breakfast," -continued the general.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We should be pleased, your excellency," said -Chester politely, "save for the fact that we have -just breakfasted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you shall at least have another cup of -coffee with us," said General Knoff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester bowed his assent, for he realized there -was nothing else to do. A mere German captain -did not refuse an invitation from a general—not -under the iron discipline that still ruled in the armies -of the kaiser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, the three friends seated themselves -at the table with the others. Coffee was soon before -them, and Chester presently found himself in -animated conversation with the general's daughter, -Kathryn. Stubbs conversed mostly to Frau Knoff, -while the general kept Hal engaged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some time they talked on general topics, -touching only briefly on the war. But as always -with soldiers, the conversation at last turned into -that channel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Hal's heart gave a quick thump. Here, -the lad told himself, was an opportunity that was -not to be overlooked. Undoubtedly, if he would, -General Knoff could verify or set at naught the -rumor that Austria had, or was about to, sue for -peace. Hal drew a long breath, then said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand, your excellency, that our enemies -are regaling themselves with a report that Austria -is about to desert the emperor and sue for peace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Knoff set his cup down abruptly, and -gazed closely at Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And do you believe that?" he asked at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal shook his head and smiled slightly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why should Austria desert?" he asked. "We -have the advantage at this moment, in spite of the -fact that we have suffered some reverses lately. -No; if the war were to end now, Germany is -victorious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" said General Knoff. "I like that talk, -for it is becoming rare these days. These light -reverses you speak of seem to have affected others -more strongly—to have shaken their confidence. -However, it is well that our foes think the slight -difference of opinion between his majesty and the -emperor of Austria may result in a complete breach; -yes, it is well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean, your excellency," said Hal, taking -another long chance, "that such rumors have been -circulated intentionally—that the enemy may be -taken off their guard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Knoff glanced around cautiously. He -waited a moment, then said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will understand, of course, that it is -impossible for me to answer yes to your question; at -the same time, I cannot deny it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand, your excellency," replied Hal, -"and you may be sure that I shall say nothing of -what I know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know nothing!" said the general sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, your excellency," said Hal quietly. -"I know nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Knoff turned the conversation into other -channels. Directly he asked the name and position -of Hal's and Chester's regiments. Fortunately, -both lads had posted themselves in advance and their -answers did not rouse the general's suspicions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last breakfast came to an end. The three -friends made their adieus to their new friends, and -retired at once to Stubbs' room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said that worthy, when they were -settled comfortably and secure against intrusion, -"we've learned something, Hal. But I'll tell you, -you took my breath away when you began to pump -the general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And mine, agreed Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it looked like the best way to me," -declared Hal. "I figured it wasn't wise to pass up -an opportunity like that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It worked, anyway," said Stubbs. "But the -general must have been in a particularly good -humor. Otherwise such a question might have meant -prison, at least, for all of us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As it chanced," said Hal, "the general was in a -particularly good humor. Chester had just put him -there; and by the way, Chester, it's all right to be -gallant and all that, but it strikes me you should -have used a little more discretion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't hurt anything," Chester grumbled. "On -the contrary, if I hadn't interfered as I did we -wouldn't know what we do now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's true enough," Stubbs admitted. "But -I stand with Hal. It's not wise to rush to the aid -of every fair damsel in distress, especially when -you're masquerading in the uniform of the enemy. -It might bring a firing squad, and I have no -particular fondness for firing squads."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same," said Chester, "you couldn't stand -by and see a boor of a Dutchman pick on a couple -of helpless women."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Careful on that Dutchman stuff, Chester," -Stubbs cautioned. "Remember the Hollander has -no more use for a German than you have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, all right," returned Chester sulkily, "but -Hal always starts picking on me if I look at a girl."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no time to be looking at girls when you are -on business," declared Hal grimly. "You're -altogether too susceptible to the charms of the fairer -sex, Chester."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rats!" said Chester. "You make me tired, both -of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we'll pass all that up," said Anthony -Stubbs. "The question to consider now is whether -we shall take the general's statement as sufficient -to brand the Austrian peace rumor as a German plot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's enough for me," declared Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here," agreed Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm perfectly satisfied myself," said Stubbs. "I -am afraid the New York Gazette will lose a good -story as a result, but I can't help that. I'm not -going to yell peace when there is no peace. Now -the thing to do, to my mind, is to get back to our -own lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," said Hal briefly. "We'll make the -attempt to-night, if you are both agreeable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others nodded their agreement. Hal told -Stubbs of the hidden airplane, and it was decided -to make the return trip in that craft if the -Germans had not discovered it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the meantime," said Stubbs, "we'll just stick -close to this room; it's safer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so they spent the day in the quiet little hotel -of historic Sedan.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="an-encounter"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AN ENCOUNTER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was after dark when Hal, Chester and Stubbs -left the seclusion of the hotel and started toward -the spot where the lads had hidden their airplane -the morning before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were plenty of signs of military activity -in Sedan as the three friends passed along the -streets, but no one interfered with them. To all -intents and purposes they were precisely what they -seemed—two German army officers and a civilian -above the military age. And at last they came to -the outskirts of the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How much farther, Hal?" Stubbs wanted to know.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much," was Hal's reply. "Perhaps a mile, -Mr. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not far, eh?" said Stubbs with some sarcasm. -"I hope you don't call that close."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's likely to be a whole lot farther to our lines -than we have figured, if the plane is gone," Chester -put in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I'm willing to bet it'll be gone," declared -Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There you go, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Nobody -could ever truthfully call you an optimist."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've lived too long and seen too much to be an -optimist," was the little man's response. "Now, -who wants to bet we won't have to hoof it back -to the American lines?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll take that bet, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, -"just to show you that it pays to be an optimist. -What'll it be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anything you say," replied Stubbs. "Make it -a new pipe for me and a hat for you—when the -war's over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suits me," said Chester. "It's a bet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three walked along the dark road in silence -for some moments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! it can't be much farther," declared -Stubbs at last. "We've covered a mile now. Must -have lost your bearings, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just hold your horses, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. -"I'm not in the habit of making such mistakes. -We'll be there presently."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs grumbled to himself but made no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes later Hal slackened his pace and -took Stubbs by the arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There," he said, pointing to a clump of trees a -short distance ahead, "there is the spot we hid the -plane, unless I am greatly mistaken. It may be -there yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And it may not," growled Stubbs, although his -voice indicated that he was pleased that the long -walk was about over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the edge of the miniature forest, Hal paused -and glanced up and down the road. So did Chester -and Stubbs. There was no one in sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll have a look," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stepped in among the trees. Then he gave -an exclamation of relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's here," he said softly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was true. There was the plane right where -the lads had left it in the early morning of the day -before. Apparently there had been no one near -it, for its position was the same as that in which -the lads had left it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, don't let's fool around here," said Stubbs. -"Let's be moving."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Since when did you become so anxious to fly, -Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not anxious to fly," retorted Stubbs. "I -never did like to ride in one of these things and I -never will; but I want to get out of this place, and -I'm in favor of moving right away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll move then," said Hal briefly. "Chester, -do you suppose you can make room back there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George!" said Stubbs. "He'll have to make -room for me or there'll be a fight right here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess we can squeeze him in some way, Hal," -replied Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester turned the craft so that its nose -pointed toward the open, then wheeled it from the -woods.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Climb in, Stubbs," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little war correspondent needed no further -urging. Chester took his place beside him. It was -a tight squeeze, for the machine had not been -constructed to carry two in the rear seat, but Chester -and Stubbs managed it. Hal climbed in the pilot's -seat and adjusted the spark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready?" he called over his shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shoot," answered Stubbs, grasping the side of -the plane firmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost at the same moment there came a sudden -interruption to the flight of the three friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half a dozen forms appeared from nowhere at all -and quickly surrounded the plane. Half a dozen -rifles were leveled at the craft and a harsh German -voice exclaimed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Halt!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs gave an exclamation of disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I knew it," he said, and that was all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal muttered an imprecation beneath his breath. -They had been so close to getting away safely, and -now this interruption made him angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he told himself, "there is nothing to do -but try and bluff it out. Fortunately, we have not -discarded our German uniforms." He raised his -voice and called: "What's the meaning of this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get out of that plane," said the German voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The muzzles of half a dozen rifles made Hal -realize that discretion truly is the better part of -valor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's no help for it," he told himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He got out. Chester and Stubbs followed his -example. Hal approached the man who had -accosted them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the meaning of this?" he demanded -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the first time the German appeared to notice -the German uniforms and the straps that proclaimed -Hal and Chester captains in the emperor's service.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your pardon if I have made a mistake, captain," -he said. "But how was I to know? Yesterday I -found this plane—clearly an American craft—hidden -here. I had it watched all to-day, but no one -came near it. I saw no bodies near to indicate that -the American pilot had been killed. Therefore I -judged that there was a spy within our lines. That's -why my men have stood guard here until now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have done well, lieutenant," said Hal. "It's -true that this is an American craft, but it has been -used by our friend here," and he indicated Stubbs, -"for purposes favorable to the German cause. Herr -Schindler arrived early yesterday morning and -reported to General Knoff in Sedan. Now Captain -Diegle and myself are bound on a little expedition -with him. Do I make myself clear, lieutenant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly," and the lieutenant ordered his men -to lower their rifles. "It is not for me to question -the wisdom of my superiors."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are a good officer, lieutenant," said Hal. -"I shall see that General Knoff hears of your -vigilance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, captain. Is there anything I may -do for you before you proceed on your journey?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, thanks. Then with your permission, -lieutenant, we shall continue our interrupted -journey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal turned again toward the car. Chester and -Stubbs followed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quickly, now," said Hal in a low voice. "His -suspicions may be aroused again. We've no time -to lose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Chester and Stubbs clambered into the back -seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right?" asked Hal, after he had taken his -seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her go, Hal," cried Stubbs in English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And these words almost caused their undoing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the sound of the English phrase the German -lieutenant, who had been watching the friends -embark for their aerial trip, realized in a moment that -he had been fooled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plane was gliding slowly across the ground -when he called to his men:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Spies! Shoot them!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly the soldiers threw their rifles to their -shoulders and poured a volley after the plane. Then -they started after the craft on a dead run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first volley did no damage beyond arousing -Hal's anger. He berated Stubbs' carelessness -roundly to himself, but not for a moment did he -take his mind off the work in hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester and Stubbs ducked instinctively at the -sound of the first volley. Then Chester raised his -head, and drawing his revolvers, fired at the -pursuing Germans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad's efforts were rewarded with cries of -anger, and there was one shrill scream. Chester -smiled grimly to himself, for he knew that he had -accounted for one of the foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and again the Germans fired, and Chester -heard the balls glance off the side of the plane. Still -the enemy fire had not reached a vital part of the -craft and the occupants were untouched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Hal touched the elevating lever gently and -the plane soared in the air. One more volley the -Germans fired after them. Then the three friends -were safe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stubbs," said Chester, as the plane sped through -the air. "I ought to pitch you out of here, and you -know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! Why?" demanded Stubbs, puzzled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why?" echoed Chester. "Wasn't it your fault -that we almost got killed just now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't see how you make that out," declared -the little correspondent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't you yell out in English just before we -started?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! Did I? I didn't know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must be losing your mind, Stubbs," declared -Chester. "You don't remember calling out in -English, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I don't," declared Stubbs, "and it's my -opinion you're blaming me to cover up something you -have done yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a good mind to reach over and pull your -nose, Stubbs," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you do you'll have your own pulled right -back again," declared Stubbs angrily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say! What's the matter with you fellows back -there?" called Hal over his shoulder. "Don't you -know we're in enemy territory and that there are -thousands of German planes flying around here -some place? If you have any arguing to do wait -until we get back to our own lines. I'll be referee -then and you can fight all week, if you want to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Make him let me alone, then," growled Stubbs -to himself, but he became silent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The journey was continued without incident. -Only once was Hal's order for silence broken, and -then by Chester who, nudging Stubbs, said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't forget our bet. You owe me a hat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," Stubbs whispered back; "and I'll -pay it—when the war's over."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-advance"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE ADVANCE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The month of October, 1918, was one of the -most glorious in the pages of American history -written by the world's war. From early in the -month General Pershing's men struck along their -wide front and everywhere the Germans gave -ground. French and British troops also made -progress daily along the great battle front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On October 3 the Germans retreated on the Lenz -front. The British advanced to within six miles -of Lille. Belgian and French troops advanced in -the region of Hooglede and Roulers. Two days -later the German retreat began in the Champagne -region. Continuing along the line to the south, the -allies pressed their advantage at all points.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was clear to all military experts that the -beginning of the end was in sight. From Rheims, -American troops, late in October, began the advance -that was to carry them into Sedan and beyond. -Germany's resistance was becoming more feeble daily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German emperor was never to recover from -the moral effect of the desertion of Bulgaria as -German supremacy waned. With Bulgaria out of the -war, German efforts were turned to keeping Turkey -and Austria in line. But these, too, were to fail. -Only a short time after Bulgaria laid down arms, -Turkey signed a truce with England and France. -The United States had no hand in the making of -these two truces, because America, despite much -urging, had never formally declared war on Turkey -and Bulgaria.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With the fortunes of Germany at low ebb, it -became apparent that Austria would eventually leave -her more powerful ally in the lurch. Again and -again reports filtering into the allied lines told of -fast growing political disturbances in the dual -monarchy. Several cabinets had fallen. The red flag -of anarchy was flying in the streets of some of the -smaller towns. The Hungarian parliament had -broken with the cabinet at Vienna, and it seemed -only a question of time until the Austrian revolt -would make an end of Austria as a factor in the war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Conditions were growing serious in Germany -also, as reports reaching the American forces -revealed. So far, however, disorder was not as -rampant as in Austria-Hungary, but it was growing -clear that the masses of the German people, long -since tired of fighting a losing battle, were getting -ready to take matters into their own hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In none of the allied capitals, however, was it -believed that Germany was yet ready to consider a -peace, which, everyone knew, must deprive -Germany of her claim to being a world power. The -world knew that when the allies imposed their -terms, they would be such as would tie the hands -of Germany for decades to come and would eventually -prevent a repetition, by a blundering and crazy -ruler, of a condition that had plunged the whole -world into war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the daily advance of the allied armies meant -one more day nearer to peace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the north, where the British under Field -Marshal Haig were pressing their advantage, the -German line held more firmly than to the south, where -French and Americans were delivering their smashing -blows. The entire sector south and east of the -Argonne Forest was controlled by American forces -under the personal direction of General Pershing. -True, General Pershing was nominally under -command of Field Marshal Foch, the French -commander in chief, but so was Field Marshal Haig, -the British commander, and General Diaz, the -Italian commander in chief, for that matter. It was -Marshal Foch who was the master mind of the -whole allied offensive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the rumor was first circulated among the -allied forces that Austria was about to sue for -peace, there were few who placed credence in it, -despite the fact that they knew such an appeal was -sure to be made before long. Nevertheless, if it -were true, it would be of advantage to the allies to -know of the impending appeal at the earliest -possible moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To General Pershing, Marshal Foch had entrusted -the task of ascertaining the truth or falsity of -the report. General Pershing, in turn, had passed -the word along where he felt it would do the most -good. This was how it happened that Hal and -Chester found themselves so fortunate as to be -ordered within the German lines at Sedan on the -mission which opened this book.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That Germany would have profited greatly at -that time could the Americans, French and British -have been fooled by the false rumor goes without -saying. And it is true, too, that the longer the -rumor was permitted to live the greater became the -danger of over-confidence in the ranks of the allies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is for this reason that General Pershing was -immensely pleased to receive so soon a report from -Colonel O'Neil, at Rheims that this first rumor of -an impending appeal for peace by Austria was -nothing more than a German plot. Immediately -the word was passed along the whole battle front. -The result was, that Germany, instead of having -gained by this piece of duplicity, suffered. For -when allied troops went into battle they struck that -much harder. For a time they had believed that -their efforts were to be crowned with immediate -success, and now that they learned the Germans -had been playing with them they fought with the -desperate energy of the man who fears he has been -made ridiculous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was learned later that this rumor of Austria's -decision to break with Germany was started by the -Germans themselves for the reason we have seen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Austria was not so much as consulted in the matter, -and it has been shown since that this very fact -was responsible, in a measure, for Austria's -decision some time later to sue for a separate peace. -So the bomb launched by the kaiser and his advisers -proved a veritable boomerang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But President Wilson and his advisers had not -been fooled by the German plot. President Wilson, -some time before, had laid down conditions on -which Germany and Austria might have peace, and -to these he stuck. He had informed the German -and Austrian people that they might have peace at -any time by laying down their arms, provided they -ousted the militarists who were responsible for the -war. Several efforts had been made by German -and Austrian officials to fool America by changes -of cabinets and other political tricks but President -Wilson, with his allies, was adamant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the situation stood in the middle of October, -when the allies girded themselves for what they -felt sure would prove the deciding effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All along the great battle line, which stretched -from the North Sea to the frontier of Switzerland, -British, French, Belgians and Americans supported -by their own allies, Portuguese, some few Brazilians -and troops from British and French colonial -possessions, gathered themselves for the final spring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last great offensive was begun by the British -and Belgians to the north. Through Belgium and -western France they plowed, pushing the enemy -back on all sides. Brussels, the capital of Belgium, -in German hands since early in the war, was -recaptured. The Belgian government, which after -the fall of Brussels had moved into France, -returned to Brussels amid the cheering of thousands -of Belgians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the Germans retreated, they followed their -customary tactics of cruelty. Fire and sword were -applied to the abandoned towns until a threat from -France put a stop to it. France's threat was this: -That for every town destroyed by the Germans in -their retreat, retaliation would be made. For every -town thus destroyed by the Germans, a German -town would also be put to the torch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This threat, carried by neutral envoys to the -German high command, resulted in the abandonment of -the German campaign of destruction, for the -German high command was now more far-seeing than it -had been a year before. The kaiser and his generals -at last had been forced to the conclusion that they -were waging a losing war. Also, they knew that -the French troops had not forgotten the horrors -of the early days of the war, and their hatred of -everything Prussian dated farther back even than -that—to the days of the Franco-Prussian war, when -they had been able to gauge for the first time the -workings of the Prussian mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the south of the Belgian frontier, the French -wrested St. Quentin, Lille and other important -railroad towns from the enemy. No longer did the -Germans offer the fierce resistance that had -characterized their earlier activities. They withdrew now -without the stubbornness of yore. Their morale had -been shattered, and they were glad to retire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All along the battle line the great field and siege -guns of the Americans, French, Belgian and British -played havoc in the enemy ranks. The German -artillery replied, but it lacked the volume and the -fierce challenge of old. Then, too, the Germans -had lost thousands and thousands of their guns, -field pieces and machine guns. Factories behind -the German frontier had been depleted of workers -to fill the gaps in the fighting front, with the result -that guns and ammunitions were not being -produced so fast as they had been the year before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This meant that the Germans were compelled to -conserve their ammunition. The high command -had also found it necessary to be more sparing of -its man-power and less prodigal with its food -supplies. No longer could the enemy sacrifice a few -thousand men and thousands and thousands of -rounds of ammunition to gain a few feet of ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the other hand, due to the activity of American -factories, the allies were supplied with more -ammunition, guns and food than ever before since -the war began. Also, numerically, were superior -to the foe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these facts in mind, Field Marshal Foch -ordered the advance all along the front that was -to prove the end of Germany as a military power; -that was to result in the abdication of the German -emperor and the crown prince; and that was to -mean revolution throughout the German empire -until such time as a stable government could raise -its head and the common people could come into -their own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so it was a great day for the German people -when Marshal Foch gave the word that set his -millions of men in motion from the North Sea -hundreds of miles south to the frontier of -Switzerland. It was a move that meant that the German -people would do away with masters and would set -up a government of their own—a government which -was to be patterned after that of the United States -of America—a "government of the people, for the -people and by the people."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this last great mission, Hal and Chester were -to perform their full duties, and they were to have -greater fortune than ever before, for they were to -be "in at the death," as Hal put it, with Marshal -Foch when the great French military leader gave -to the enemy terms that resulted in the ending of -the war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime, all unconscious of what was in -store for them, the two lads, after returning from -their mission within the German lines, were taking -a well deserved rest in their temporary quarters in -the French city of Rheims.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="toward-sedan"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">TOWARD SEDAN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The American army was moving toward Sedan. -Already the Yankee forces advancing from the -south and west had occupied St. Aigan and -invested Maisoncelle, Stonne and Sommauthe. The -enemy had contested every inch of the ground, -but the Americans were not to be denied. The -Forty-second division, better known as the -Rainbow Division, under command of Major-General Charles -D. Rhodes, and the Second division, regular army -troops, commanded by Major-General John A. Lejeune, -were showing the way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On either side of these forces were the Seventy-seventh -and the Eighty-second divisions, commanded -respectively by Major-General Robert Alexander -and Major-General George P. Duncan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In these American units advancing upon Sedan -were represented fighting men from all sections of -the United States.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Forty-second was composed of former -National Guardsmen from the various states, the -Seventy-seventh recruited chiefly from New York -City, and the Eighty-second, composed of -Georgians, Tennesseeans and Alabamans. The Second -division, as has been said, was a regular army unit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was with the Forty-second division that Hal -and Chester found themselves when the advance -began. Attached to the staff of Colonel O'Neil of -the third regiment, Thirty-second division, -commanded by Major-General William C. Haan, they -had been sent to General Rhodes with dispatches -just before the advance began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the night of the second of November, -1918, and the Americans were forging ahead in -spite of the lateness of the hour—midnight. This -was one feature of Yankee fighting that the -Germans were never able to understand. The German -is a methodical man. Even in the art of war he is -governed to no small degree by habit. Ordinarily -the Germans did not fight at night. With the -coming of darkness, as a rule, it had been their -custom to postpone further actions till the morrow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, however, they were forced to give up -some of these customs. When American forces -advanced they continued their work whether it was -night or day. Consequently, the Germans had -found themselves forced either to fight or run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans were fighting tonight. All day they -had been retreating, but now, less than a dozen -miles from the city of Sedan, they were making a -desperate stand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voices of the great guns shattered the night; -huge rockets and other signal flares lighted up the -darkness. Dimly could be heard the crash of -machine gun fire and the rattle of the rifles at points -where the fighting was close.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All day Hal and Chester had been kept on the -jump, carrying dispatches to the various regimental -commanders. At midnight, there appeared little -likelihood they would gain a much needed rest -before morning. General Rhodes, realizing the -advantage won earlier in the day, was determined to -press it to the utmost. Over his field telephone he -kept in touch with developments in other parts of -the field. There, he learned, the Germans also were -giving ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The advance guard of the Forty-second was now -a few miles to the north of Maisoncelle, which had -been captured late in the evening. General Rhodes -determined upon a bold stroke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He summoned Hal, who stood at attention beside -Chester, in the general's quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Paine!" he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal approached and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My compliments to Colonel English," continued -General Rhodes, "and order him to assume -command of the First, Second, Third and Tenth -regiments and make a detour toward Pouilly. -Inform him that I will make a greater show of force -to the south, and have him close in on the enemy -from the east. I am informed that the German -positions there have been weakened. We may catch -the enemy in a trap. That is all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal saluted, swung on his heel and departed -hastily. Outside, he sprang into a small army -automobile, which was among a number of other -cars standing idle pending necessity of use by -dispatch bearers, and soon was speeding through the -darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later he was received by Colonel -English, who heard his orders in silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Inform the general that I shall move at once," -said the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal saluted and returned to headquarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already, without waiting to hear the result of -Hal's mission, General Rhodes had given orders -for a more rapid advance all along the line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The clear notes of many bugles sounded from -various parts of the field. Regimental commanders -gave necessary instructions to their subordinates and -the advance of the American forces gained in momentum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later Hal found himself on the road -again bearing instructions to Colonel English. He -overtook the colonel two miles from where he had -found him last. The colonel was riding along in -the midst of his men, in a large army automobile. -He motioned Hal to a seat beside him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am instructed to go with you, sir," said Hal, -"and carry back word of any imminent danger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," said the colonel. "Make yourself -at home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From time to time Colonel English summoned -aides whom he dispatched to other parts of the -field with instructions. Suddenly he turned to Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It strikes me," he said, "that the general is -risking a whole lot on this move. If the enemy is in -greater strength at Pouilly than we suppose, our -position will be critical."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would imagine that the general's information -is authentic," returned Hal. "Otherwise he would -not have ordered you to Pouilly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are probably right," said Colonel English; -"but at the same time I have a feeling that all is -not well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal shrugged his shoulders, a movement that -was not discernable to Colonel English in the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," the lad said, "we'll let the boches know -we are there at all events."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," agreed Colonel English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was silence after that except for the plodding -feet of the infantry and the noise of the horses -that composed the single troop of cavalry with the -expedition. Also, the sharp crack of machine guns -in other parts of the field and the voices of the -distant big guns could be heard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"According to my calculations," said Colonel -English to Hal an hour later, "we should now be -within three miles of Pouilly. I shall order a halt -here and make a reconnaisance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did so; and the troops sat there in the -darkness for perhaps an hour while a young lieutenant -and ten men went ahead to get the lay of the -land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All quiet ahead, sir," the lieutenant reported on -his return. "I went as close to the enemy as I -dared. He apparently is expecting no attack from -this direction. The village should be captured with -ease by a surprise assault."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You were not, of course, able to ascertain the -approximate strength of the enemy, lieutenant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir; I dared not approach too close."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, lieutenant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young officer saluted and returned to his -station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Colonel English to Hal, "it seems -that my fears were groundless. We'll go forward."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Silently the Americans crept along the dark road—or -as silently as it is possible for a mass of men -and horses to creep. Machine guns were dragged -along as silently as possible, and the few field pieces -that were the main reliance of the little force also -were hauled with extreme caution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Less than a half a mile from the village itself, -Colonel English swung his field pieces into position -to cover the advance of his men. It was not his -intention to alarm the enemy by opening a bombardment -of the village, but he overlooked nothing that -would protect his men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under cover of the silent guns, which were ready -for action at a moment's notice, the Americans -crept forward. A short distance ahead Hal could -see here and there a faint light, which indicated that -the whole village was not asleep. Also, the lad -knew, German sentinels were on guard; and there -was little possibility that the Americans could enter -the town without discovery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" the lad muttered to himself. "I -don't like to sit back here while all this is going -on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned to Colonel English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Colonel," he said, "I wonder if you will permit -me to take a hand in the attack? I assure you that -I am no novice at the game."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The colonel considered the point a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," he said at last, "but mind that you -do not expose yourself needlessly. You must -remember that General Rhodes looks to you for a -report on the pending engagement. Here, I'll give -you instructions for Lieutenant Colonel Johnson, -of the Fourth regiment. That will enable you to -get into the midst of things. You may remain -with the regiment as long as you see fit, remembering -only that I wish you to report to me an hour -after daylight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He leaped lightly from the colonel's automobile, -appropriated a horse from a trooper who stood near -and dashed forward in the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Johnson's force was some distance ahead, -and it was perhaps fifteen minutes later that Hal -came up with him. He gave the instructions that -Colonel English had confided in him, and then said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Colonel, if you don't mind I'll stay with you -through this battle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Johnson would have protested, but Hal -continued with a smile:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have the permission of Colonel English, sir. -I hope that I may be of some assistance to you. -Do not hesitate to call upon me for any piece of -work that you may wish accomplished."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Johnson shrugged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help yourself," he said, "and don't worry. If -I've need of your services you may be sure I won't -hesitate to ask for them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The march continued in silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the sound that Hal had been expecting -came. It was the blast of a great gun, close at -hand. The advance of the Americans had been -discovered. Colonel English took his decision -instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Charge!" he cried.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Americans went forward with a wild yell.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-battle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE BATTLE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A volley of rifle fire met the first rush of the -Americans. Sleepy-eyed Germans, aroused from -their slumber by the sound of the warning gun, -poured from their shelter and rushed forward -through the streets of the village. Hastily machine -guns were wheeled into position, and a veritable -rain of bullets swept the ranks of the charging -columns in khaki.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the Americans did not falter. These men -of the Forty-second division upheld the traditions -of the American army. True, they had been under -fire before and it was not to be expected that they -would falter; but well might a man have faltered -in the face of the terrible fire poured in upon them. -Each man bent to his work with a determination -that boded ill for the foe. Some dashed forward -with wild yells, others smiled quietly to themselves, -while still others joked with their nearest neighbors. -Here and there men dropped in their tracks, to rise -no more, but others leaped over the bodies and -dashed ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So close had the Americans approached the village -before being discovered, that the enemy ranks -had not time to form. What machine guns had -been brought into play by the Germans were widely -scattered and did not have the effect that would -have been possible had the Americans given the -enemy more time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>American machine guns also began to rattle and -Germans began to fall. The opposing forces were -too close for the enemy to use his heavy artillery, -nor could Colonel Johnson use his own field pieces -for the same reason.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Undismayed by the withering enemy fire, the -Americans continued their charge and soon the -fighting became hand-to-hand. Wild cries and imprecations -arose above the sounds of firing, and the clash -of cold steel became audible in all sections of the -field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans withstood the first shock of the -American charge, but they could not withstand the -second. They faltered momentarily, but under the -commands of their officers for a moment braced -again. But when the Yankees hurled themselves -upon the wall of human flesh the third time, the -German line wavered along its entire length, then -broke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Groups of the enemy threw down their arms and -raised their hands in token of surrender. These -were quickly passed to the rear, for the men in -front were too busy to be occupied with prisoners. -Others of the enemy turned and ran. Here and -there, however, groups of the foe gathered, -determined to resist the Americans to the last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Against these small batches of the enemy, groups -of American soldiers dashed. Again the fighting -became fast and furious, and in this fighting the -Americans sustained their heaviest losses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal found himself close to Colonel Johnson, who -had advanced in the midst of his men. A German -officer raised his revolver and aimed at Colonel -Johnson. Hal, who had been about to discharge -his own revolver at a big German soldier who was -pressing him closely, turned his weapon and fired -in time to drop the man who otherwise must surely -have killed the American colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Johnson at the same moment had perceived -his danger and he realized instantly that Hal -had saved his life at the imminent risk of losing his -own. Colonel Johnson was a brave man, and he -recognized bravery in another. He sprang to Hal's -side and with his sword laid low the man who then -held Hal at his mercy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal acknowledged this assistance with a smile; -he had no time for more. The Germans were pressing -too close for that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Johnson cleared a space about him with -his flashing sword. Hal emptied his revolver into -the ranks of the enemy, then drew his own sword. -Standing side by side, Hal and Colonel Johnson -beat off the Germans who tried to pierce their -guards. Nevertheless, their predicament was -extremely critical, and it is doubtless if they would -have come through alive had not half a dozen -soldiers, seeing their peril, dashed forward and -scattered the Germans who surrounded them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This gave the two a breathing space, of which they -took advantage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the fighting was far from ended yet—the -Germans were far from beaten. In the rear of the -line which had broken and fled under the American -attack, other lines had formed and now dashed -forward. Colonel English, taking in the situation at -a glance, ordered support to the assistance of the -hard-pressed men under Colonel Johnson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The reinforcements came forward with a rush -and met the new German line with a crash. The -hand-to-hand fighting that ensued was terrific, but -after five minutes of give and take, the Germans -again retired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>American machine guns were swung about hastily -to cover the retreating foe and wreaked terrific -havoc among the enemy. The retreat became a -rout. The Germans turned and fled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Victory, it appeared, was with the Americans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Colonel English had no mind to allow the -enemy to rest. His instructions had been to -capture the village of Pouilly, and he would not rest -content until he had accomplished that feat. -Accordingly, he ordered another advance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Americans dashed forward with the same -recklessness that has always characterized the charge -of the American fighting man. In vain German -officers sought to bring some semblance of order -out of the confusion that reigned in the enemy -ranks. The effort was vain. Young lieutenants -stood in the path of the retreating men and beat -them with the flat of their swords, but they could -not stay the rout. Others fired their revolvers -point-blank into the faces of their own men, but -even these heroic measures failed to have the -desired result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans were beaten and they knew it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So it was just as the first faint streak of dawn -appeared in the eastern sky that the Americans set -foot in the village of Pouilly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And still the fighting was not ended.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scores of German soldiers, under command of -subordinate officers, barricaded themselves in the -houses that lined the streets and poured a hail of -bullets upon the Americans as they passed. The -Yankees suffered severely under this fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can't stand for this," said Colonel Johnson -suddenly to Hal. "The enemy is doing too much -damage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Drag up a couple of big guns and destroy the -houses," said Hal briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" said Colonel Johnson. "Lieutenant -Bennings!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A young officer approached and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take twenty men and enough guns to destroy -the houses that line this street," said the colonel. -"Also, you will report while the battle lasts to Major -Paine, here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant saluted and hurried away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major," said Colonel Johnson to Hal, "I will -detail you to see that the sniping from the houses is -stopped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll stop it, sir," he promised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Don't let me detain you longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal strode away to where the young lieutenant -and a score of men were wheeling two big field -pieces into position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry, men," he cried. "We've no time to lose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, because of the heavy execution by the -enemy from inside the houses, the Americans had -sought what shelter they could find in doorways -and around corners. This situation, Hal knew, -could not be allowed to exist, for it would give the -demoralized enemy time to recover their scattered -wits and to reform. Therefore, the houses must -be cleared of snipers immediately.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the first house in the block where Hal -found himself, the snipers seemed to be more active -than in any other. Hal determined to give this -house his attention first.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sighted the gun himself, then gave the -command to fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boom!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voice of the big gun rose high above the -rattle of machine gun and rifle fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crash!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost simultaneously with the sound of the gun -the heavy explosive missile reached its mark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was another resounding crash as the missile -exploded after reaching its mark. Bricks, timber -and other debris flew high in the air and -descended in a shower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sniping from the first house ceased, for the -simple reason that there was no first house any -longer. It had been destroyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope that will be enough," Hal muttered. "I -don't like this wanton destruction of property. It -reminds me too much of the Germans themselves. -If those fellows in the other houses are wise they'll -cease firing now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in this Hal was doomed to disappointment. -Snipers in the other houses continued as active as -before, apparently unimpressed by the fate that had -befallen their comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if you must have it you must," Hal muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quickly he gave the necessary orders and the -guns were wheeled into position. This time, -however, they were not aimed at a single house, for Hal -decided that it was unwise to waste more time. He -determined to give the enemy a lesson they would -not forget.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, two houses were covered at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boom! Boom!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crash! Crash!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So closely together that they sounded almost as -one were the detonations of the guns and the effect -as they found their marks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again there was a shower of debris.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without waiting to see what effect this destruction -would have upon the Germans who occupied -the houses, Hal ordered the guns turned on other -homes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the big guns spoke, and again the mass -of bricks, mortar and wood descended and covered -the streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess that will do 'em," muttered Hal, as he -waited for the smoke to clear away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad was right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No longer did the snipers fire from the windows -and the American troops, which had temporarily -sought shelter in doorways and around corners, -poured out again, their advance, thanks to Hal and -his men, thus being made more simple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later Colonel Johnson came up to Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You did a good job, Major," he said quietly. -"I guess we'll have no more trouble with them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then the town is ours?" asked Hal eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is indeed," replied Colonel Johnson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll have to leave you, sir," said Hal. -"Colonel English ordered me to report to him -immediately after daylight."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-advance-continues"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER X</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE ADVANCE CONTINUES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Hal found Colonel English just beyond the -town, receiving the reports of his subordinates. He -greeted Hal with a nod, and asked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the latest news, Major?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The town is ours, sir," replied Hal quietly. -"Colonel Johnson has just informed me of the fact."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel English got to his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good," he exclaimed. "I was certain Colonel -Johnson was the man for the job. Now if you will -wait half an hour, Major, until I have talked with -Colonel Johnson, I will ask you to carry my report -back to General Rhodes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir," replied Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel English got into his automobile and was -whirled away to the village, where he consulted for -perhaps ten minutes with Colonel Johnson. Then -he returned to where he had left Hal, and still -sitting in his car, wrote his report briefly. This he -passed to Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I want to say," he said, "that Colonel Johnson -has informed me that it was really you who made -possible the capture of the village; also that you -saved his life in the midst of battle earlier in the -day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, he saved mine, too, sir," muttered Hal, -flushing slightly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all in a day's work, Major, I know that," -said Colonel English. "At the same time, I have -seen fit to mention your name in my report to -General Rhodes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I hope," Colonel English continued, "that -I may have the pleasure of being associated with -you further before this war has come to an end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Hal again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel English extended a hand, which Hal -grasped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good luck," said the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same to you, sir. By the way, sir, may I -have a car in which to make my return trip?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course," exclaimed the colonel. "I was -thoughtless not to have provided it before now. -Lieutenant Smith!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A young officer approached.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A car for Major Paine, Lieutenant, at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes later the machine was at Hal's disposal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you want a driver?" asked Colonel English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess I can handle it myself, sir," replied Hal, -taking the wheel. "Good-bye, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later he was speeding along the road -which he had covered the night before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Less than two hours later, Hal reported to General -Rhodes in the latter's quarters, which had been -established a mile closer to Sedan than when Hal -had left his general the night before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have done well," said General Rhodes, -after reading Colonel English's report. "Colonel -English speaks well of you here. It shall be my -pleasure to include your name in my next report to -the commander-in-chief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And all that Hal could say was:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said General Rhodes, "you shall be free -for the remainder of the day. Your friend, Major -Crawford, is at this minute with General Duncan, -but he should be back within a few hours. I shall -have quarters placed at your disposal immediately -and my advice is that you turn in for the day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe I could stand a little sleep, thank you, -sir," said Hal with a grin. "I shall follow your -advice at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. And report to me this evening at -6 o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes summoned an orderly, whom he -directed to find quarters for Hal and to show -Chester to them when the latter returned from his -mission. Then Hal saluted the general and followed -the orderly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fifteen minutes later he was fast asleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal did not know when Chester returned, but -when the lad opened his eyes he saw Chester sleeping -on a cot across the room. Hal dressed quickly, -then aroused his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why didn't you wake me when you came in?" -demanded Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I thought you were entitled to a little -rest," replied Chester. "The same as I am now, -although I notice you were not as considerate as I -was."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The only reason I aroused you," said Hal, "was -because I thought you might possibly have been -ordered to report to the general this evening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so I have," returned Chester. "What time -is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Five o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whew! Then I'll have to hurry. I had no idea -it was so late. I'm to report at 6 o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here," said Hal. "But where have you -been, Chester?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carried dispatches to General Duncan. Seems -that there is some fresh plan afoot that General -Rhodes expects will take us into Sedan within a -few days. I don't know what it is, though. Now, -where have you been and what have you been doing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal explained as briefly as possible while Chester -hurried into his clothes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you have been fighting again, eh?" said Chester -when Hal had concluded. "What would your -mother say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal grinned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About the same that yours would, I guess," he -replied. "But hurry, I feel like a bite to eat before -I report to the general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here. I'll be with you in a jiffy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester was true to his word, and the two -sauntered forth five minutes later. After they had -rounded up what Chester called a feast at one of the -mess tents, they strolled toward the general's quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they walked along, they saw a familiar figure -come dashing toward them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George!" said Hal, "it's Stubbs. Now I -wonder what he can be in such an all-fired hurry; -about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll stop him and see," said Chester briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads stepped forward and accosted Stubbs, -who seemed to have no idea of stopping for a word -with them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the hurry, Mr. Stubbs?" asked Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs waved them away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't bother me," he explained, "I'm busy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But—" began Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I said I'm busy," declared Stubbs. "Can't you -see I'm in a hurry?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, all right, if that's the way you feel about -it," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs seemed as if about to pass on, then hesitated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you," he said. "I am in an awful hurry, -but I've time to tell you the news if you promise to -keep it to yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I promise," said Chester. "Let's have it, -Mr. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Austria has sued for peace," said Stubbs briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" said Hal. "Again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs glared at the lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I tell you Austria has sued for peace," he said, -emphasizing each word. "This time there is no -doubt about it. I have it straight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester's heart beat high.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! I hope you're right, Mr. Stubbs," he -exclaimed, "but I'm afraid to believe it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You needn't be," declared Stubbs. "It's -perfectly true, this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I suppose you're hurrying off to flash the -news to The New York Gazette?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly," said Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't let us detain you, then," said Hal. "But -if I were you, Mr. Stubbs, I'd go rather easy on -that stuff. You know if you flashed a report like -that and it wasn't true, you'd probably have to hunt -a new job."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't flash reports I know are not true," said -Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal, "what I'd like to know is how -you have gained your information when no one else -seems to know anything about it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the newspaper game," said Stubbs, "a man -learns to provide his news sources. I provided mine -for this very thing some time ago. Now I have been -justified."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," said Hal. "I don't want to argue -with you about it, but all the same I'd go easy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I tell you I've got the dope," declared Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you'd better hurry along and file it to The -Gazette," Chester put in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove, I will!" said Stubbs. "And after this, -you'll get no more information from me. But -remember your promises. Not a word about this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't worry, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "We're -as mum as a couple of oysters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then me for the cable wire," said Stubbs. -He turned and hurried off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know, Hal," said Chester, "it would be -quite a feather in the little man's cap if he could -get something like that ahead of every other -newspaper in America."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should imagine it would," Hal agreed, "but -I'm afraid he's all wrong. At the same time, -however, I hope he's right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here. And by the way, speaking of Stubbs -and his efforts, there is only one other thing, to my -mind, that would be greater luck for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That would be to get first word to his paper -of the ending of war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! That would be something to talk -about," Hal agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should say so. But come, we have delayed -long enough. It lacks only a few minutes of six -o'clock, and we're due in General Rhodes' -quarters at that hour, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't think I had forgotten it, did you?" -demanded Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I didn't know. Your memory isn't as -good as it used to be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that so? Why isn't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I don't know why," said Chester, "but it's -a fact."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal was about to make a warm retort, but at that -moment they came to the entrance to General -Rhodes' quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are," said Chester. "I hope he has -something worth while for us to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here," agreed Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They went in.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-new-mission"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A NEW MISSION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Sit down, gentlemen," said General Rhodes as -Hal and Chester entered his quarters. "I'll be -ready for you in a moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads obeyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For perhaps half an hour they sat quietly while -their commander gave dozens of orders to others -of his staff who appeared hurriedly every moment -or so and disappeared again just as hurriedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the room was cleared with the exception -of General Rhodes, Hal, Chester and the general's -private orderly. General Rhodes motioned the lads -to approach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Before I ask if you are willing to undertake -rather a dangerous mission," he said, "I must -explain a few points to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads stood at attention, but said nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As you know," said General Rhodes, "we are -not more than a dozen miles from Sedan, which is -our immediate objective. To the north, General -Lejeune has advanced practically to within the same -distance of the town. When the time comes for the -deciding blow, we plan to strike simultaneously, -General Duncan at the same time to hurl the Eighty-second -division upon the city from the north and -west. Also, as you know, a part of our division, -under Colonel English, has wormed its way to the -east of the town and will strike from that direction. -Do you follow me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Now an unforseen obstacle has -arisen. The enemy, apparently forseeing our plans, -by a sudden counter attack has driven a wedge -between General Lejeune's division and my own. -Telephone communication has been cut. For more -than twenty-four hours I have been unable to get -in touch with General Lejeune, and yet it is imperative -if the final attack is to be successful that I -communicate with General Lejeune."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand, sir," said Chester. "You wish -us to make an effort to get through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is it exactly," he replied. "But I must tell -you a little more. The wedge driven by the enemy -is less than a mile wide. If a man got through, he -should be able to carry word to General Lejeune -and return within six hours. Yet I have already -dispatched three messengers and none has returned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean that they have failed, sir?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it would seem. In each case I emphasized -the necessity of haste. Had one of my previous -messengers got through safely, he should have -reported to me ere this. I fear they have been either -killed or fallen into the hands of the enemy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In which event the enemy may have become -familiar with your plans, sir," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," returned General Rhodes, "they carried no -written dispatches. The word that I sent to -General Lejeune was verbal. Now my idea is this. -If you, Major Paine, and you, Major Crawford, -are willing to volunteer for this hazardous duty, I -shall repeat the message to you. I have called you -both because the matter is urgent. One of you -may get through where the other fails. Do I make -myself clear?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly, sir," said Hal quietly, "and I am sure -I speak for my friend as well as myself when I say -we are not only willing, but anxious, to volunteer -for the task."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed we are, sir," Chester agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then," said General Rhodes. "The -message I would have you carry to General Lejeune -is this: Attack in full force at 6 o'clock on -the evening of November 6, which is day after -tomorrow. I shall lay my plans accordingly, going -upon the supposition that one of you will get the -message through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall do the best we can, sir," said Hal -quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is the best any man can do," said -General Rhodes. "As I say, I shall act upon the -supposition that one of you will get through and I shall -attack at that time whether I hear from you again -or not. If you can, come back, but if you deem it -more prudent, remain with General Lejeune's division -until after the battle. That is all, gentlemen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather a ticklish piece of work, if you ask me," -was Chester's comment as they made their way back -to their own quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are," Hal agreed, "but the harder -the job the more satisfaction when you have -accomplished it successfully."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What would you suggest?" asked Chester. -"Shall we keep on our own uniforms or shall we -disguise ourselves as Germans?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll keep our own," said Hal. "There is no -use risking being caught as a spy unless absolutely -necessary. If we're captured in American uniforms -they'll make us prisoners of war. In German -clothes, we would probably be shot. I'm against -the German uniform this trip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess you're right. Besides, according to -General Rhodes, we shall have to pass through less than -half a mile of German territory. Now I'll make -another suggestion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My idea is that it will be better if we do not go -together. I'll start an hour ahead of you, or you -can start an hour ahead of me. We'll lay out our -route in advance so the one who goes last will know -about how far ahead the other should be. He might -even be able to lend a helping hand should whoever -goes first get into trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bad idea," Hal agreed. "Then I elect -to go first."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester shrugged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any way suits me," he said. "And when will -you start?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal glanced at his watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eight o'clock now," he said. "I'll start at nine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I shall start at ten," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," said Hal. "Now, as we have nothing to -do in the meantime, suppose we take a walk about -the camp."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm agreeable," said Chester. "Come on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For perhaps an hour they strolled about, looking -over the huge encampment with critical eyes. Men -slept on their arms that night, had been sleeping -on them for a week, for there was no telling at -what hour might come the order to advance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cavalry horses pawed the ground restlessly in -that part of the field where they were picketed. -The troopers slept or sprawled on the hard ground -nearby. To the south were parked the American -batteries, while on all sides infantrymen were to be -seen by the thousands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly, from the direction of General Rhodes' -quarters, came a loud hurrah. It was taken up on -all sides, and directly the camp became a pandemonium.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder what's going on?" said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know," replied Chester. "We'll find out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads hurried toward the general's quarters. -Toward them came a crowd of shouting men, throwing -their hats in the air and cheering wildly. Hal -stopped one of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's all the excitement?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't you heard the news, sir?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Hal. "What is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A truce has been signed with Austria," replied -the soldier. "Hurrah!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurrah indeed," said Hal fervently. "And -have you heard the nature of the truce?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir. An armistice has been signed to -become effective to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock. -The armistice extends for thirty days in which time -the allies will draw up terms of peace to be -presented to Austria, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is good news indeed, my man," said Hal. -"I am obliged to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The soldier saluted and rejoined his companions. -Together they continued their parade of the camp; -spreading the glad tidings as they went from place -to place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So Stubbs was right after all," Hal mused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It seems so," said Chester, "but I wonder where -he got his information?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's too deep for me," declared Hal, "but he got -it all right. I hope he lands his scoop, as he calls it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So do I. He deserves it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal glanced at his watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he said, "you can stay here awhile and -help the others celebrate. I've work to do and it's -time to be moving."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wish I were going with you," said Chester, -"but I am convinced we have agreed on the best -plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It seems best to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I shall follow the directions we agreed -upon," said Chester. "I'll start in exactly an hour."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And remember," said Hal, "that one of us must -get through, no matter what happens."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Chester agreed. "Should you get into -trouble, I'll lend a helping hand should I come across -you and find that it is possible without endangering -my own chances of getting through. Otherwise, -you will have to shift for yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's the spirit," declared Hal. "Help if you -can without compromising yourself, but always -remember that one of us must get through. Now -I'm off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He held out his hand, which Chester grasped -warmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm hoping nothing happens," said the latter -quietly. "But you never can tell. Good-bye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-bye," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave Chester's hand a parting grip, turned on -his heel and strode away. Chester stood looking -after him for some moments. Then he moved on -slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! I hope nothing happens to Hal," he -muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It seemed to Chester that the next hour would -never pass, but at last the hands of his watch showed -10 o'clock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time to be moving," the lad told himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He produced his pair of revolvers and examined -them carefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All fine and dandy," he muttered. "Well, I -guess there is no reason for waiting longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned and strode off in the direction Hal -had gone just a short hour before.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="hal-meets-an-obstacle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HAL MEETS AN OBSTACLE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Hal made rapid progress through the American -lines. It was almost an hour after he left Chester -that he reached the most advanced American -outposts toward the north. He was challenged there, -but after confiding to the officer in charge of -operations there that he was on a mission for General -Rhodes, he was allowed to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German lines, Hal learned, were perhaps two -hundred yards ahead. There the enemy had hurriedly -dug a temporary line of shallow trenches and -settled down to hold them. It was Hal's business -to get into and to pass through them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately, the night was very dark so the lad -had no hesitancy in stepping from the protection -of the American lines. The officer in command at -that point walked with him as far as he felt prudent. -To him Hal confided the fact that Chester would -be along presently, and the officer volunteered to -speed the latter's progress in any way he could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good luck," he called, as Hal disappeared in -the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal made no response, but moved slowly and -silently off through the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first hundred yards he covered standing and -without fear of detection. It was so dark that he -knew his presence in No Man's Land would not be -noticed unless the enemy chanced to turn one of -their powerful searchlights in that direction. In -that event, too, the lad knew it would make little -difference whether he was standing or crawling -across the open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After covering what he judged was a hundred -yards, Hal dropped to his hands and knees and -proceeded more cautiously. Voices in the German -lines became audible now and Hal was perfectly well -aware that a pair of German eyes might discover -him. However, there was no help for it. It was -his business to take such chances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He wormed his way along slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this manner he came at last to the edge of -the German trenches. There he paused a moment, -listening intently. He heard voices. They seemed -directly ahead of him. The lad crawled to his left. -After progressing in this manner for perhaps a -hundred yards he paused and listened again. He -could still hear voices, but they were some distance -to his right. There was no sound directly ahead -of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Silently the lad got to his feet. His head came -just above the top of the trench. He peered around -quickly. Some distance to the right he perceived -a little knot of men apparently engaged in heated -argument. It was apparent that they were so busy -with their dispute that they would not notice the -alien figure in their midst. To the lad's left, too, -perhaps fifty yards away, were half a dozen German -soldiers. But they were not looking in Hal's -direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly the lad drew himself to the top of the -trench, then dropped quietly inside. There he -crouched for a moment, his hands on his revolvers, -ready to fight or run as occasion should demand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But his presence was unnoticed and Hal drew a -breath of relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Safe for a minute, at least," he told himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Hal knew that he could not hope to escape -discovery long in this exposed position. Besides, -he had no time to spare. It was his business to -pass through the German Lines as quickly as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Little light showed in the German trenches. Here -and there a lantern flickered as a sentinel passed -along his post. Also candles, sheltered from the -breeze by improvised shades, showed where little -groups of Germans had gathered to chat before -turning in for the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal perceived that his best hope of avoiding -discovery lay straight ahead, toward the center of the -German camp. The enemy would be looking for no -enemies there. Besides, Hal's destination lay in -that direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving the shelter of the trench, he crawled -forward. He stopped once or twice and flattened -himself into the ground, as footsteps approached. But -the footsteps turned off each time without coming -close to him, and Hal proceeded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tents had been pitched in improvised streets and -Hal heard the sound of deep snores from within. -The German camp, except for sentries and some few -others, was asleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was very dark. Hal rose to his feet and -proceeded more swiftly. He felt confident now that -he would be able to pass through the camp without -discovery, but he realized that the hardest work cut -out for him would be to leave the German lines on -the other side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nevertheless, it had to be done, so the lad pressed on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Walking boldly along the little camp street, he at -last passed beyond the long row of tents. Not more -than a hundred yards ahead now, he knew, he would -come upon more trenches thrown up as a protection -to the enemy against the forces of General Lejeune -of the Second division.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the lad went more cautiously, and at last he -came within view of the trenches. Here and there -a sentinel flitted by in the darkness. In the trenches, -Hal saw several groups of the enemy gathered in -circles within the glow of light cast by lanterns and -candles. He approached very cautiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad no longer stood erect. He was crawling -on his hands and knees. With each inch advanced -he knew his danger increased; but he knew, too, -that every foot of ground he covered brought him -that much closer to success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll get through quietly if I can," he told -himself, "but if I'm discovered I'll make a run and a -fight for it. Once in the darkness of No Man's -Land beyond I've as much chance of getting away -as the boches have of catching me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad halted suddenly. Footsteps were coming -toward him, and a moment later Hal made out the -figure of a German sentry approaching. The lad -squirmed quickly but silently to one side and the -German passed without seeing him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Close shave," the lad muttered to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He moved forward again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Other footsteps now approached and Hal made -himself as small as possible on the ground. Looking -up, he perceived the figures of half a dozen men -only a few feet away. They were coming directly -toward him. Hal realized that if he didn't act -promptly, he would probably be stepped on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried to squirm out of the way silently, but -haste was too urgent for extreme caution and the -sound of the lad's body gliding over the ground -carried to the ears of the enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" demanded one of them, and all -halted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's what, Hans?" asked a second voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard something moving there," said the man -called Hans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what of it?" demanded the second voice. -"Probably a rat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Made too much noise for a rat," was the response. -"Sounded more like a man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha!" said another voice. "You talk as if you -feared enemies right in the heart of our own camp, -Hans."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't trust these Americans," was the reply. -"They're not afraid of anything. One of them is -as likely to be here as any place else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some truth in that, Hans," said another voice. -"We'll have a look."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans spread out fanwise and moved forward -again. This was what Hal had been afraid -of, and he knew now that concealment was no -longer possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll have to make a dash for it," he told himself -grimly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still stooping, he produced his pair of automatics -and paused, ready for action as soon as he should -be discovered. And as he had feared, discovery -was not long coming.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello! What's that?" said a German voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's wh—" began a second voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal waited to hear no more. He knew he had -been discovered, and he decided to act before the -Germans completely recovered from their surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Springing to his feet, the lad dashed forward with -a cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Out of my way!" he shouted in German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment it seemed that the Germans would -obey this command, so startled were they by its -suddenness and Hal's appearance from out of the -ground, apparently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they recovered their wits in a moment and -closed in on the lad with guttural cries of anger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal raised both revolvers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crack! Crack!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two Germans reeled back and the others gave -ground. Before they had time to recover from -this unexpected attack, Hal was among them. Twice -more his revolvers spoke. The targets were so close -that a miss was impossible and two more Germans -crumpled up on the ground. The remaining two -skipped promptly out of harm's way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal leaped for the trenches, revolvers still in -hand. Once beyond the enemy's lines he felt he -would be comparatively safe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the sounds of the revolver shots had aroused -the camp. Men streamed forth from all directions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal found his progress barred by a dozen men -who seemed to appear from out of the ground. The -lad raised his revolvers again and emptied them into -his foes, then sprang in among them, his revolvers -clubbed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With both hands he laid about him lustily, the -while endeavoring to push through the enemy and -reach the trench beyond. But the weight of -numbers was too great and directly Hal went to the -ground under a blow from a rifle butt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He dragged himself to his feet and again mixed -in with his foes. For a moment it seemed that he -might fight his way clear, so desperate were his -efforts. Reinforcements continued to arrive, -however, and at last the lad was overpowered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Strong hands seized him from behind, rendering -further struggling futile. Hal relaxed his efforts -and grew quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've got me," he said quietly, "but I'd have -got away if there hadn't been half a hundred of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tie him up," said a German voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No sooner said than done. A moment later Hal's -arms were bound securely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bring him up to the light," said another voice. -"The colonel wants a look at him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal felt himself propelled toward the trench. -There a lantern was thrust in his face and a man -attired as a German colonel of infantry surveyed -the lad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So we've caught you, you American pig!" he -exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it seems," returned Hal quietly. "What are -you going to do with me? That's the next question?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brave man, aren't you," sneered the German. -"Well, you won't be so brave when I get through -with you. Lieutenant Steinz!" he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now what's up, I wonder?" Hal muttered to -himself.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="chester-to-the-rescue"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CHESTER TO THE RESCUE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Chester, after leaving the American lines, -proceeded with the same caution that had characterized -Hal's movements. He made no better time -creeping across No Man's Land than had Hal. -However, he was just as fortunate as his chum -in penetrating the German trench. He reached -them an hour later than had Hal and for this -reason he did not see as many figures. Most of the -enemy in the trenches facing the Americans on the -south had turned in for the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester's passage through the German camp was -considerably quicker than Hal had been able to -proceed. Nearing the German outposts toward the -north, however, he found it necessary to advance -with greater caution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he came to a stop and threw himself -flat on the ground. A short distance away he saw -a faint light, cast by several lanterns, and he heard -German voices.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're not all asleep here, at all events," the -lad told himself. "I'll have to be careful."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He wormed his way toward the light and when he -came close enough to ascertain what was going on, -he gave an exclamation of pure alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Scott! They've nabbed Hal," he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unmindful of danger now, he crept forward more -swiftly and at last drew close enough to distinguish -what was said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you won't tell what you are doing here?" -came a coarse voice in German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will not," was the reply in a voice that Chester -recognized as Hal's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll have to find a way to loosen your -tongue," said the German voice. "Lieutenant -Steinz, do your duty again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester strained his eyes to see. He made out -the form of a big man who stepped toward a figure -that Chester made out as Hal. The man's arm drew -back and flashed forth. Chester saw Hal stagger -back, but the lad made no outcry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester's blood boiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So that's the kind of men we have to deal with, -eh?" he muttered. "Well, I guess I'll have to take -a hand in this game."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With Chester to think was to act. Nevertheless, -he realized the need of caution if he were to -extricate Hal from his present difficulty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll have to be pretty careful," he told himself; -"otherwise, they'll snare me, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester's first impulse, of course, had been to -dash forward, guns in hand, and wreak what damage -he could among his enemies. He thought better -of this, however, and continued to creep forward -carefully and silently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he hits you again," he said, speaking to Hal -but muttering the words to himself, "it can't be -helped; but we'll repay those blows with interest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal, standing erect before his captors, did not -flinch as Lieutenant Steinz drew back his arm for -another blow. But his eyes flashed dangerously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll be sorry for this, my friends," he said -quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Threats, eh?" sneered the German. "You're in -no position to threaten, pig."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not," admitted Hal, "but just the same -I am warning you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was something so menacing in the lad's -voice, that for a moment the German hesitated; -but for a moment only, then he drew back his arm -and struck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Hal staggered under the blow, but he -did not flinch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German raised his arm and would have -struck again but for a sudden interruption.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Chester saw the German strike Hal a second -time, it was more than his blood could stand. -He forgot, for the moment, his mission, that his -first duty was to pass beyond the German camp. -He threw caution to the winds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a wild cry he leaped to his feet and dashed -forward, a revolver levelled in each hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Startled, the Germans turned to face their new -foe. One look at Chester's angry features and they -recoiled involuntarily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same moment Chester fired—both weapons -at once. Two of the enemy toppled over in their -tracks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Hal had a quick mind. At Chester's first -cry he knew what was up and he grew instantly -alert, ready to take advantage of the first -opportunity that presented itself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The opportunity was not long coming.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lieutenant Steinz, turning to get a view of -Chester, for a moment left Hal unguarded. In that -instant Hal sprang. Both hands he locked about the -German's throat, and squeezed with all his strength. -In vain the Teuton squirmed, struck and kicked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly Hal released his right hand and drove -it into the man's face. At the same moment his -left hand shot out and seized the German's revolver. -Then he stepped quickly back, levelled the weapon -and fired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, Chester!" he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester needed no urging.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few quick strides he was at Hal's side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's get out of here," he cried. "It's getting -too warm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Together the lads dashed toward the trench.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A cry of alarm went up from the Germans behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shoot them!" cried a voice that Hal recognized -as that of the German colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zig-zag, Chester!" cried Hal, and suited the -action to the word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester followed his chum's example and the first -volley from behind failed to find a mark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the lads were at the edge of the -trench.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Up and over with you, quick!" cried Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal leaped to the top of the trench and toppled -to the ground beyond even as half a score of -bullets sang across the spot where his head had been -a moment before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester also sprang for the top of the trench. But -he had leaped too soon, and instead of reaching the -top he fell short, and dropped down inside the -trench again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Germans were almost upon him when he regained -his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester realized that a second leap was out of -the question at the minute, so guns in hand he -turned and faced his foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His automatics spoke angrily and all four -bullets found human targets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal, meanwhile, safely over the trench, looked -around for Chester. When he failed to see him he -realized on the instant what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What shall I do?" he asked himself. "Duty -says to hurry to a place of safety, but friendship -says help Chester."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He wasted little time in thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He scrambled back to the top of the earthen -embankment and took in the sight about him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There Chester stood at bay, his automatics held -in steady hands. Hal drew his own weapons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jump up here quick, Chester!" he called. "I'll -cover you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't bother about me," Chester called back. -"Get away from here. Remember you must get -through. I'll hold 'em off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be a fool," shouted Hal, discharging his -revolver at a big German who was about to shoot -Chester down with his rifle. "Come up here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester paid no further heed to his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal gritted his teeth, dropped one revolver in -his pocket, and reaching down grasped Chester by -the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on," he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester shook off his chum's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me alone." he shouted angrily. "I'll get a -few of these boches before they down me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His revolvers spoke as he talked, and two -Germans dropped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile bullets were striking on all sides of the -two lads, and it seemed a miracle that they were -not touched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal considered the situation in a flash.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's one chance," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Deliberately he sheathed his other revolver, thus -leaving himself unarmed in the face of his foes. -Then, bracing himself as best he could on the -embankment, he reached down and seized Chester by -both shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Putting forth all his strength, Hal heaved mightily, -and drew his chum to the top of the embankment -with him. There he released him and drew -his revolvers again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Came a cry of rage from inside the trench as -the Germans saw their prey about to escape. Two -men dropped on their knees and sighted their rifles -carefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But before they could fire Hal had accounted for -one and Chester for the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again a howl of rage went up from the German -trench.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kill them! Kill them!" screamed the German -colonel. "What a lot of dunderheads! Can't you -shoot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He seized a revolver from a young officer close -by and dashed forward himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal, in the act of tumbling from the embankment, -smiled slightly and faced the colonel, unmindful -of all other dangers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you're the man responsible for those blows -a moment ago, eh?" he muttered. "Well, you'll -never do it again. Take that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He sighted carefully and fired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German colonel staggered in his onward -rush, reeled crazily, threw up his arms, casting his -revolver a dozen paces away, then fell to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So much for you," Hal muttered. "You won't -bully another American, I'll bet on that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on," said Chester, who had stuck close -to his chum all the time. "It's too warm here. -Let's move."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right. Suits me," said Hal quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Down we go, then," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rolled rather than leaped to the ground on -the outside of the trench. Hal did likewise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both lads were slightly bruised by this method -of descent, but they were not injured seriously. -They scrambled to their feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, let's see you run!" shouted Hal to Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They ran.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-closing-of-the-net"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CLOSING OF THE NET</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Bullets flew thick and fast after the two lads as -they clashed for the shelter of the American lines -beyond. Fortunately, however, none touched them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans, it appeared, were so bewildered by -the suddenness of Chester's appearance, single-handed -attack and the flight of the two chums that -followed, that they forgot all about their -searchlights, which would have made it possible for them -to have picked off fugitives at will; or else they -had no searchlights in that section of the field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Zig-zagging from right to left, the lads ran at -top speed. For a time bullets whistled unpleasantly -close, but soon they became few and far between.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal slowed down. Chester followed his example.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whew!" said Chester. "Pretty close, but we're -safe enough now, I guess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! I hope so," declared Hal. "But -there is just one job that I would have liked to -complete before getting away from there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" demanded Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would like to have let a little lead into that -big German lieutenant who battered me up with his -fist."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't blame you," said Chester. "I'd like a shot -at him myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal, "I left my mark on his throat, -and that's some satisfaction. Also, I disposed of -the colonel who was responsible, and there's more -satisfaction there, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I saw you," replied Chester. "It was a neat shot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal, "we've done something that -a couple of other couriers sent out by General -Rhodes failed to accomplish—we have passed -through the German lines. The general's plans will -not go wrong if we can help it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," agreed Chester. "And I figure that the -sooner we report to General Lejeune the better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Correct as usual. But I don't know that I care -to try and repeat the feat of getting through. -Besides, we have General Rhodes' permission to stay -here until after the big battle if we like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I vote that we stay," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Think I'll cast my own ballot that way," declared -Hal. "We'll stick, unless something turns up to -change our minds."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now for the American lines, then," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They hurried on through the darkness and directly -the dim outline of the American trenches -loomed up ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are," said Hal. "Now to get over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they would have climbed up, however, the -figure of a soldier appeared above them. He saw -them instantly and levelling his rifle cried:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Halt! Who goes there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Friends," said Hal briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Advance, friends, and be recognized," said the -sentinel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester obeyed and the sentinel scanned -them closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You look all right," he growled at last, "but -I'm not sure of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think we'd be coming in here if we didn't -belong?" demanded Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know about that; but I can't see any -good reason why you should be prowling around -out in No Man's Land if you are not bent on -mischief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be absurd, man," said Hal. "We come -from General Rhodes with a message for General -Lejeune."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A likely story," said the sentry. "How'd you -get through the Germans?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Walking and running," said Chester. "But are -you going to keep us standing here all night? I -tell you we bear an important message from -General Rhodes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What'd you both come for?" the sentry wanted -to know.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That," said Chester, thoroughly exasperated, "is -none of your business, my man! Will you call the -sergeant of the guard, or shall I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'll call him," said the sentry, "but I'll tell -you right now I don't think it will do you any good. -Kindly step up here, will you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester did so. Then, for the first time, -the sentry saw that they were officers in the -American army. He looked flabbergasted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I—I—I beg pardon, gentlemen," he said. "I -didn't know you were officers. Why didn't you tell -me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You didn't give us a chance," said Hal shortly. -"Kindly summon the sergeant of the guard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sentry argued no longer. He raised his -voice in a shout that brought the sergeant of the -guard on the dead run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter with you, you bonehead?" -demanded the sergeant as he came lumbering -forward. "Want to arouse the whole camp?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, sergeant," said Hal. "He only -did as ordered. We have come from General -Rhodes with an important message for General -Lejeune. Will you direct us to his quarters?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sergeant saluted stiffly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Follow me, sirs," he said briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes walk brought the three to the -headquarters of the commander of the Second American -division. There the lads were accosted by a -member of the general's staff, Colonel O'Shea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We desire to see the general at once on a very -urgent matter," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel O'Shea scowled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The general left orders that he was not to be -disturbed unless upon a very important matter," he -replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But this is urgent," said Chester. "We are -instructed by General Rhodes to deliver the message -at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how am I to know the matter is so urgent?" -asked the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I say so, sir," said Hal quietly. "I am -not in the habit of lying, nor of having my word -doubted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, is that so," said the colonel, though somewhat -taken aback. "Well, I'm not sure the general -will care to be disturbed. You may deliver your -message, and then I shall consider whether your -business is of such importance as to justify waking -the general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We were not instructed to deliver our message to -you, sir," said Hal simply. "I have to request again -that we be given immediate audience of General -Lejeune."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The colonel hesitated. Apparently he was on the -point of refusing to arouse the general, but he -thought better of it, shrugged his shoulders and -turned away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment," he said brusquely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He returned a moment later, however, followed -by a second figure, attired in a suit of pajamas and -rubbing sleepy eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Lejeune?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," was the sharp reply. "What is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We bear a message from General Rhodes, sir," -said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, let's have it, let's have it," exclaimed the -general. "I've got to get back to bed and get some -sleep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"First, sir," said Hal, "I must explain that we -came through the German lines where two or three -other couriers lost their lives. General Rhodes -wishes you to understand, sir, that the success of -the campaign depends upon your acting in accordance -with his message."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no doubt of it," said General Lejeune. -"I have been unable, since the German wedge was -driven between our forces, to get into communication -with General Rhodes or other divisional -commanders. I am isolated here, but at the same time -I consider my position impregnable, so I am standing pat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester bowed in understanding of the -general's explanation, and the commander of the -Second division added:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, sirs, what is the message you bring?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Rhodes' message, sir," said Hal, "is -that he requests you to attack the enemy before -Sedan in full force on the evening of November 6, -the attack to begin precisely at 6 o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," said General Lejeune, "and just -what is at the bottom of this plan—what is to be -gained by it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I do not know, sir," said Hal. "General -Rhodes simply asked us to carry that message. He -said that the success of the campaign against Sedan -depended upon you doing your part."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'll do it, never fear," said General Lejeune. -"I've got one of the best fighting units in -France, and there's not a man in it who's not dead -anxious to get another chance at the Huns. You -may take back word to General Rhodes for me, -that I shall act in accordance with his wishes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it is all the same to you, sir," said Chester -with a slight smile, "we're not going back—not, at -least, until the battle of Sedan is over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that? How's that?" asked the general -in some surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, sir," said Chester, "General Rhodes gave -us permission to stay with you if we deemed it -imprudent to try and pierce the enemy's lines again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you think it would be imprudent?" asked -General Lejeune with a slight smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In view of the trouble we had getting here, yes, -sir," replied Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, then," said the general, "you may -remain with us. Colonel O'Shea, will you find -quarters for these gentlemen? By the way, I did -not catch your names."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crawford, sir," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Paine, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," General Lejeune continued, "Colonel -O'Shea, will you please see that Major Paine and -Major Crawford are provided with suitable quarters? -And will you both report to me at 8 o'clock -in the morning, gentlemen? I may have need of -you. The Second division is an hospitable unit, -but you'll find that guests are required to work as -well as home folks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall be more than glad to do our parts, -sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Now you have kept me out of bed -long enough. I'll leave you both to the good graces -of Colonel O'Shea, and if he doesn't find suitable -quarters for you, you let me know and I'll have -him court-martialed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this, and a smile on his face, the -good-natured commander took his leave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George!" said Hal, as the lads followed -Colonel O'Shea from the general's quarters, "he's -the most lively commander I ever did see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Full of 'pep' eh?" said Chester with a laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," Hal agreed, "and I'll bet he's full of the -same old 'pep' when it comes down to business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Hal was right.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-capture-of-sedan"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CAPTURE OF SEDAN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The American advance against Sedan was in -full blast. All night the fighting had raged. -Promptly at 6 o'clock on the evening of November -6 General Lejeune had hurled the Second division -forward in accordance with the plans outlined by -General Rhodes of the Forty-second.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Apparently the Germans had anticipated the -attack, for they were braced to receive it when the -first Yankee troops began to move. The enemy -stood firm—and was continuing to stand firm -almost twelve hours after the assault was launched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a slight chill in the early November -air as it grew light. The air was filled with -shrieking shells and shrapnel. Rifle and machine-gun fire -rose even above the noise of the field and siege -guns. Shrill whistles punctuated intervals of -seeming silence as American officers gave orders to their -men. In the midst of battle, whistles are depended -upon mainly for signals—also there are signals -given with the hands. The confusion is usually -too great to permit verbal orders being understood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time that General Lejeune attacked -the enemy, General Rhodes, to the south, also had -advanced. But the enemy was holding stubbornly -in that section of the field also, and at 6 o'clock on -the morning of November 7 the American forces -had made only slight progress. However, they -were still hammering hard at the German lines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a gallantry not exceeded in the annals of -the war, the Second division kept at its task. When -one enemy machine-gun nest was captured, they -found themselves targets for others, whose gunners, -discovered, had withheld their fire until the -moment when it would be the most effective.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another grand assault was ordered by General -Lejeune.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans made a determined resistance. They -put in fresh troops and subjected the American -lines to a terrific artillery bombardment of high -explosives and gas shells. Directly in the path of the -advancing Americans was a large wood. Although -the wood was not yet cleared of the enemy, the -American line here was farther advanced. Many -prisoners had been taken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A third attack resulted in the capture of still more -prisoners and many machine-guns. In the meantime -the Ninth infantry, on the right of that part -of the field where Hal and Chester found -themselves, had advanced its position to the northern -edge of the Bois de la Jardin and was digging in -to beat off a possible counter-attack. In fact, the -entire Third brigade, assisted by a battalion of the -Second engineers, was strengthening its lines as -well as possible under heavy enemy machine-gun -and artillery fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The defensive part played by this brigade was -very difficult. Its losses were heavy as a result of -enemy shell fire and gas bombardments, to which -the Third brigade could not at the moment reply. -Its duty now was to hold its lines. Its present -action was confined to a rifle and machine-gun duel -with the enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the south, the First brigade also was hotly -engaged. It had advanced in the face of a terrible -artillery and machine-gun fire until at hand grips -with the foe. Then ensued one of the fiercest -struggles of the war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As in other encounters, the Germans proved no -match for the Yankees at hand-to-hand fighting. -They resisted desperately, but gradually were driven -back. The Americans, with wild cheers, pursued -them closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Lejeune's center, composed of the Second -brigade, with an additional battalion or two of -artillery, also was meeting with greater success than -the Third brigade, which, for the moment, had been -checked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The advance was pushed with desperate energy, -and the Germans could not hold their ground in -the face of the withering American fire. The -German center faltered, then broke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Taking advantage of this success, General -Lejeune pushed Brigadier General Abernathy's Second -division into the breach. Immediately, also, he -ordered the First brigade forward in an effort to -break through to the south, while orders were rushed -to the hard-pressed Third brigade to make a final -effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The task of the Third brigade was easier now. -Bereft of its supports, the German center was -obliged to yield ground to the Third brigade or risk -being cut off and surrounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans gave ground slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the south, the First brigade also began to -drive the foe more swiftly. It appeared for a -moment that the Germans would suffer a rout. Under -the direction of their officers, however, they braced -perhaps half a mile farther back, and again showed -a determined front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Trenches dug by the Americans were abandoned -now as the Yankees poured forth in pursuit of the -enemy. Not a man in the whole Second division -who was not sure that the trenches would never be -needed for defensive purposes. No one knew better -the morale of the American troops than did the -men themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nevertheless, the advance slowed down in the -face of the resistance being offered by the enemy. -For a time it appeared that the fighting had reached -a deadlock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The deciding touch to the battle was furnished -by General Rhodes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sweeping up from the south, the Fifth, Sixth and -Seventh brigades of the Forty-second division bore -off a trifle to the east and then turned north again, -thus catching the enemy on the left flank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This maneuver, apparently, had not been anticipated -by the enemy's general staff, for it took the -Germans by surprise. True, they received warning -in time to wheel machine-guns into position and -to place big guns to rake the Americans as they -dashed forward. But the warning had not been -received in time to permit the general staff to alter -its plan of defense, and for this reason proved the -blow that broke the backbone of the enemy's resistance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The enemy, closely pressed by General Lejeune, -had no time to make changes in his defensive plan -necessitated by General Rhodes' sudden attack. -Reinforcements could not be sent to check General -Rhodes without weakening the front opposed to -General Lejeune.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Schindler, after a hasty conference with -his staff, ordered a retreat to the lines just before -Sedan. The Germans fell back rapidly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neither General Rhodes nor General Lejeune -was content to rest with this advantage, but each -decided to push on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During all this time, the enemy had been successful -in keeping a wedge between the Second and -Forty-second American divisions. General Schindler -realized that if he hoped to extricate his men -from the trap sprung by the Americans he must -prevent a juncture of the Second and Forty-second -at all hazards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, however, as the attack seemed on the verge -of success, General Lejeune decided that the -German wedge separating him from General Rhodes -must be pierced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly, without permitting the advance to -slacken elsewhere, he threw the First brigade against -it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For perhaps fifteen minutes the fighting was fast -and furious. In vain the Germans tried to stem -the tide in khaki that rushed forward against them. -General Schindler further weakened his center to -rush reinforcements in order to retain the wedge -intact.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But it was no use. The Americans were not to -be denied. They fought with the courage and -desperation of lions. Little heed did they pay to the -hail of machine-gun bullets that swept them as they -advanced. Artillery and explosive shells failed to -stop them. Rifle fire was no more effective.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly from the German lines sallied a regiment -of cavalry. The American infantry braced -to receive the charge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time Hal found himself before -Colonel Taylor of the First brigade with dispatches -from General Lejeune. He had just delivered them -as the German cavalry sallied forth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Scott! What a chance to take!" the lad -muttered under his breath. "The Germans must -be licked. This move can be for no other purpose -than to give infantry time to withdraw."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The American infantry stood firm as the German -cavalry hurled itself upon them. Not an inch -of ground did they give. Horses and men fell in -heaps. Other chargers reeled back, throwing their -riders beneath their hoofs. At the same time the -Yankee infantry poured in a hail of rifle fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans retired a pace, reformed and -charged again. The result was the same. Not an -inch did the Americans give, and the execution in -the enemy's ranks was fearful to behold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess that will stop that," Hal told himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the enemy's cavalry withdrew a second -time it did not reform for a third charge. Instead, -it fell back upon its infantry and artillery supports, -apparently fearing that the American infantry would -pursue and annihilate it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought so," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime, the German retirement in other -parts of the field had become more rapid. The -lines before Sedan were abandoned gradually and -at last there was nothing to keep the Americans -from entering the city save the cannonading of the -German artillery from far to the rear of the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But although the bulk of the German army had -retired safely to the east of Sedan, fortune had not -been so kind to the two brigades which had formed -the wedge between the Second and Forty-second -American divisions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When General Lejeune's men had pushed back -the cavalry attack, General Rhodes, to the south, -had gained an inkling of what was going on. -Accordingly he had ordered an attack upon the -hard-pressed foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Caught thus between two fires, the Germans tried -first to hold their ground, and, finding this could -not be done, to retreat orderly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But they had delayed too long.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three regiments of the First brigade of General -Lejeune's division had been hurried forward to -cut off a movement, and the Germans, when they -found flight blocked, became disheartened. In -spite of the fact that they outnumbered the little -force between them and the bulk of their army, -thousands of men threw down their arms and -surrendered. This forced the others to follow suit -or be annihilated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Less than two hours later, with German shells -still falling among them, American troops entered -Sedan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And the French population, virtual prisoners for -many months, received them with wild acclaim. It -was a joyous day for the citizens, indeed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="an-unexpected-honor"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AN UNEXPECTED HONOR</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Sedan at last! This settles the war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was Chester who spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are," replied Hal. "The poor old -kaiser's goose is cooked. Even the most sanguine -German can no longer hope for victory."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think the kaiser gave up hope a long while -ago," said Chester. "He—Hello, what's up now, -I wonder?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He broke off suddenly and pointed to a horseman -who came galloping into the town from the -east, gesticulating excitedly as he rode along. Words -that he shouted as he dashed forward seemed to -create great excitement among the villagers, who, all -day, had been parading the streets in celebration of -the American occupation of the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know," said Hal. "We'll try and get -close enough to hear what he says."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the man drew close, the lads saw that he was -a German cavalryman. It appeared strange to both -boys that he was thus permitted to ride free, as the -feelings of the villagers were very strong against -the Germans. But it soon became apparent that -the message he brought secured him immunity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that he said?" asked Chester, with hand -to his ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't catch it," said Hal. "Here, get in front -of him. We'll stop his wild ride."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester needed no urging. The lads stepped -directly in front of the galloping horse. Hal -produced his revolvers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rider checked his steed. Hal approached -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dismount," said the lad in German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rider did so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said Hal, "what's all the excitement? -You seem to have something on your mind. What -is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't you heard the news?" demanded the -rider.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wouldn't be asking you if I had," said Hal. -"What is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The kaiser has abdicated!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester started back in pure amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" they exclaimed in a single voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I am informed," declared the German. "It -is true that my information has not been substantiated, -but I know enough of conditions in Germany -to credit the report."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you come with me," said Hal. "We'll -take this matter to General Lejeune."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German accompanied them without objection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Lejeune received the report with skepticism.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing to it, in my opinion," he said. "It is -true that conditions in Germany are fast approaching -a crisis, but I believe this report is premature. -However, I have no doubt that something like that -will happen within the next thirty days. But what -are you doing in our lines, man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This last to the German soldier.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm tired of fighting," was the soldier's -reply. "I want to live to go home again some day. -I've a family in Hamburg that will need me. I am -content to remain a prisoner until the war is over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so you shall," said General Lejeune. -"Whether your report is true or not, it has given -me an interesting moment. Colonel O'Shea, will -you turn this man over to the corporal of the -guard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The prisoner was led away. General Lejeune -turned to Hal and Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry to lose your services, gentlemen," he -said, "but I have just been in communication with -General Rhodes, and he wishes you to report to -him at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads saluted the commander of the Second -division and left his quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour later they reported to General -Rhodes as he rode into Sedan to establish his own -quarters, as the Second division was soon to -advance again. General Rhodes greeted the lads -warmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am certainly glad that you both came through -safely," he said, after returning their salutes, "and -I must say that I didn't expect it. You have been -in luck. Now I have another important matter in -hand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall be glad to offer our services, sir," said -Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've no doubt of it," he replied. "However, this -mission is not likely to be so dangerous. Don't -worry, though," he added, as the faces of the lads -fell, "I believe I may safely promise you some -interesting moments."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're glad of that, sir," declared Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder," said General Rhodes, "whether you -have heard of the reported upheaval in Germany?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Hal. "Only a few moments ago -we captured a man who declared the kaiser had -abdicated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That," said General Rhodes, "is probably untrue; -however, I know that the kaiser has considered -abdicating. In fact, his abdication is being urged -by his military leaders—his erstwhile friends, -Hindenburg and Ludendorff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can that be possible, sir?" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, we have authentic information to that -effect. I understand, too, Germany is preparing to -ask Marshal Foch for an armistice preliminary to -signing a declaration of peace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove, sir!" exclaimed Chester, carried away -in spite of himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes smiled again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is good news," he said quietly. "Of course, -I am not absolutely positive of that, but in view of -recent German reverses I do not see how the enemy -can do aught else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, sir," said Chester, "we'll impose terms on -them that will make their hair curl."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a third time General Rhodes smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We won't be too severe," he said. "Remember, -we are not German."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's true, too, sir," said Chester. "But all -the same, it should be done, if you ask me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps," said General Rhodes. "Now, I suppose -you are wondering why I called you here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," returned Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said General Rhodes, "I have been -summoned to report to the commander-in-chief and I -want a couple of officers to go with me who can be -useful as well as ornamental."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both lads flushed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know that you drive an automobile exceedingly -well, Major Paine," the general continued, "and -for that reason I am selecting you as my chauffeur -on this trip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I am afraid I shall not be so useful, sir," -said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said the general, "I am taking you along -because I thought you'd like to go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so I would, sir," answered Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It may be," General Rhodes continued, "that -before our return we shall be present at a very -momentous gathering."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean, sir—" asked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly," he replied. "I mean that the -commander-in-chief is summoning me for some purpose -other than because he wants to see me. It would -seem that matters have reached a point where -something is likely to break at any minute."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George! I hope so, sir," declared Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall expect you to be ready in an hour," said -General Rhodes ending the interview suddenly. "I -shall have a car here at that time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester and Hal saluted and departed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, this is what I call a regular mission," -declared Hal, as they hurried to their quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is if it develops," replied Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something tells me it will develop," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's hope so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads were back at General Rhodes' headquarters -well within the time allowed them. A large -army automobile stood without.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess this is our steed," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes appeared a few moments later -and took his seat. He motioned Chester to a place -beside him. Hal took the wheel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where to, sir?" he asked of the general.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rheims," was the reply. "The commander-in-chief -is there now. You know the road, of course?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you will take us there as speedily as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The machine shot forward with a lurch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now if there was one thing Hal did better than -anything else it was to drive an automobile. He -was a fast though careful driver and his hands and -nerves both were like steel when he clutched a wheel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had been over the road before, and his excellent -memory served him in good stead now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was after 3 o'clock on the afternoon of November -7 when the automobile flashed into the outskirts -of Rheims. Hal stopped the car long enough to -inquire the way to General Pershing's headquarters, -then moved forward again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are a good driver, Major," said General -Rhodes, as he alighted and motioned both boys to -follow him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," returned Hal. "I've had -experience enough, sir, I should be, at all events."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Rhodes vouchsafed no reply, as he -mounted the short flight of steps to General Pershing's -offices, with Hal and Chester at his heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Apparently his arrival was expected, for an -orderly saluted and told him that he was to proceed -to the commander-in-chief immediately.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You gentlemen stay here until I send for you, -or return," he instructed the two lads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester stood stiffly at attention as he -walked away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're in luck, if you ask me," said Chester -after their commander had gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would seem so," Hal agreed. "If anything -happens, I'd like to be in at the finish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So would I. We've been in the war from the -first. It would be no more than right for us to see -the finale."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe we will," said Hal. "Here's hoping."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They sat quietly for some time. Two hours later -an orderly approached.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Paine! Major Crawford!" he said, -"the commander-in-chief desires your presence at -once. Kindly follow me."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="stubbs-again"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">STUBBS AGAIN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>General Pershing greeted the lads cordially.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Glad to see you again," he said. "General -Rhodes informs me that you have been up to your -old tricks and have again been cited for gallantry -in action. However, it is no more than I would have -expected of you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads bowed in response to this praise, but -neither spoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is fortunate that General Rhodes brought you -with him," General Pershing continued. "Still, it -may not be so fortunate for him, for I am about -to deprive him of your services. I take it that you -will survive the separation, though," and the -commander-in-chief smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are always glad to serve in whatever way -we may, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good!" said General Pershing. "Then I shall -avail myself of your services. Several hours ago -I was in communication with Marshal Foch, who -is now in Soissons. General Rhodes informs me -that he has made you acquainted with the facts that -seem to indicate an early cessation of hostilities, so -I need not amplify here. Now, Marshal Foch, -anticipating that Germany may really sue for peace, -has asked my advice in the matter of armistice terms -pending a final treaty of peace. These I have -written out. As you will readily recognize, they are -not to be trusted to careless hands. I have -confidence in you, however, gentlemen, so I shall ask -you to carry this paper to Marshal Foch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall be glad to do it, sir," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Then I intrust this paper to you, and -I need not warn you to guard it carefully and keep -the matter secret."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Pershing extended a document to Hal. -The lad took it and put it carefully in his inside -coat pocket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will be safe there, your excellency," he said -quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said the commander-in-chief, "it is my -wish that that paper be placed in Marshal Foch's -hands at the earliest possible moment. The car in -which you drove General Rhodes is at your disposal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall make all possible haste, sir," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both lads saluted their commander and left the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" said Hal, as he sprang into the car, -"there is no use talking, important developments -are pending. It begins to look like peace to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And to me," Chester agreed. "Well, the sooner -the better. Four years of war is enough to satisfy -Mars himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon the car was speeding westward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a long drive to Soissons and it was after -nightfall when Hal saw the lights of the city in the -distance. A few moments later they entered the -town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal had no difficulty ascertaining where Marshal -Foch made his headquarters and he drove there at -once. A few words to a guard before the building -brought forth a member of Marshal Foch's staff -and the lads explained their mission to him briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are expected," said the French officer. -"Follow me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way into the house and through a -long hall. At the far end he tapped on a door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who's there?" came a voice, that Hal at once -recognized as belonging to the French -commander-in-chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Colonel Murrat," said the lads' guide. "The -messengers from General Pershing have arrived."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Show them in at once," said Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later Hal and Chester were in the -presence of the generalissimo of all the allied forces. -They saluted him respectfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I may be mistaken," said Marshal Foch, eyeing -them searchingly, "but I'll wager you are Majors -Paine and Crawford. Am I right?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, your excellency," said Hal. "We are -honored that you remember us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I never forget a face," replied Marshal Foch; -"and seldom a name. Then you bring me a -communication from General Pershing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer Hal produced the document given -him by the American commander-in-chief earlier in -the day. He passed it to Marshal Foch without a -word. The French commander took it and laid it -carefully on his desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will be all for to-night, gentlemen," he said. -"I shall be pleased if you will avail yourself of our -hospitality. Colonel Murrat will find quarters for -you. Will you report to me in the morning at 8 -o'clock? I may have a reply for your -commander-in-chief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads saluted again and withdrew. Colonel -Murrat showed them to excellent quarters in a house -next to the one in which the French commander had -his headquarters and left them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Chester, after he had gone, "looks -like we are right in among things, doesn't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It certainly does," Hal agreed. "But say, I'm -hungry. Let's step out and round up something to -eat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suits me," declared Chester, "I'm half starved -myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At a little restaurant only three or four blocks -away they were soon comfortably filled. Hal was -on the point of suggesting that they turn in for the -night when a figure entering the door caught his -eye.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By all that's wonderful," he exclaimed, "here -comes Anthony Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal was right. The little war correspondent espied -the lads at the same moment and hurried toward -them with outstretched hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm awfully glad to see you boys again," he -exclaimed. "What brings you here, if I may ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sit down, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Have -something to eat with us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks: don't mind if I do. But I repeat, what -are you doing here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long have you been in town, Mr. Stubbs?" -asked Chester, ignoring the little man's question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About fifteen minutes, more or less. But I say, -what are you doing here? This is the third time -I've asked that question."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then don't ask it again, Mr. Stubbs," replied -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I see," smiled Stubbs. "Can't answer, eh? -Well, I'll wager another hat with somebody that -I can tell you why you're here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'd lose this time, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, no I wouldn't. You're here in connection -with the signing of an armistice by Germany and -the allies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester started to his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sh-h-h! Not so loud, Stubbs," he exclaimed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs smiled, but he lowered his voice when he -spoke again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, would I lose the bet?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't say a thing, Mr. Stubbs," was Hal's response.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I'm bound by no such orders," said Stubbs, -"so I can. First, however, I want you to understand -that whatever I do say is in confidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, Mr. Stubbs," agreed Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then," said Stubbs, "I want to tell you -I'm on the trail of the biggest scoop in newspaper -history. I'm going to be the first war correspondent -to flash the news that the armistice is signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean you think you are," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm dead sure of it. Now, I'm in close touch -with a very influential naval officer. He has agreed -to let me know the moment the armistice is signed; -and the news will come to him over the only direct -wire to the place of meeting between Germans and -allies, for it will be an official wire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're getting away ahead of the game, Mr. Stubbs," -declared Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly you have no information yet that an -armistice is likely to be signed soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the trouble is I have," he replied quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stubbs," said Hal with real admiration, "I don't -know how you do it, but you certainly have a way -of getting information when you start after it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's why the New York Gazette sent me over -here," replied Stubbs modestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see," said Hal. "Well, I wish you luck. But -what are you doing here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs was silent a moment. Then he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know you'll say nothing about this, or I would -keep mum. Truth is I came here to make these -arrangements I've been telling you about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And how long will you stay, Mr. Stubbs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Over night. I'm off for Versailles to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Versailles!" exclaimed Chester. "But you will -be out of the fighting zone then, Mr. Stubbs, and -it will take you longer to get word should your news -develop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I'll be where I can get it on the cables ahead -of some of the rest of 'em," said Stubbs with a -grin. "Also, I'll get word in Versailles as soon as -the fellows get it here, or wherever the thing is -pulled off. I've seen to that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I get you, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal. "Now take -my advice and wait until you are sure of your facts -before you do anything rash."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wasn't born yesterday," said Stubbs with -another grin. "I'll flash the word when the time -comes, not before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sorry we can't help you a little bit, Mr. Stubbs," -said Chester, "but you know how it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, that's all right," said Stubbs. "I understand. -I don't make a habit of telling all I know -either. Well, that was a pretty fair meal you fellows -set me up to. Now let's get out of here. Where -are you putting up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal told him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess there's no objection to my coming along, -is there?" asked Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess not," said Hal. "Come along."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Stubbs accompanied the two lads back to their -temporary home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going to turn in on that second bed there," -he said. "You two fellows can bunk together. If -I'm gone when you get up in the morning you'll -know I'm on my way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He threw his clothes off hastily, and crawled into -bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good night," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was asleep and snoring loudly long before -Hal and Chester turned in for the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let him snore," said Hal with a grin. "I'm -not particularly fond of such noises, but I'd hate -to disturb him. Anyway, he won't bother me long, -and not at all after I get to sleep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nor me," agreed Chester. "Let him snore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the lads also crawled between the sheets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess we'd better get all the rest we can," said -Chester. "Things are liable to happen from this -time on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester was right. Things did happen.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-message-from-the-enemy"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A MESSAGE FROM THE ENEMY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>An air of confusion and extreme activity -pervaded Marshal Foch's headquarters when Hal and -Chester presented themselves to the French -commander-in-chief the following morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads awakened early in spite of the fact that -they had not gone early to bed. Stubbs already -had taken his departure, but he had left a note -which read:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-bye. You were sleeping so peacefully I -didn't wish to disturb you. You'll hear from me -after I land the big scoop. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon entering the office of Marshal Foch the -lads stood at attention for some moments before -the marshal noticed their presence. Then he -motioned them to approach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm very busy now," he said, indicating a mass -of papers on his desk, "so I will ask you to sit down -and await my pleasure. I am expecting momentarily -to have news upon which to base a communication -to General Pershing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned back to his desk, and Hal and Chester -found seats in the far end of the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From time to time, French officers hurried in, -reported to Marshal Foch and departed again as -hurriedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch tapped a bell on his desk. An -officer who answered the part of private secretary -arose from a desk across the room and hurried to -his commander's side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any word from General Marcel?" asked Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None, your excellency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strange. My information indicated that developments -would begin before now. What day is this, -Colonel?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The eighth of November, your excellency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it is, I had forgotten. In times like these, -it seems I cannot keep track of the days. If -General Marcel has not reported in the next half hour, -you will send a messenger to ascertain why."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officer resumed his seat and Marshal Foch -again plunged into the mass of papers on his desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour passed and in the interval no one -had entered the room. Marshal Foch's secretary -arose and approached his commander.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall send a messenger to General Marcel now, -your excellency," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch nodded, but did not raise his head -from his work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The secretary left the room. He returned five -minutes later and resumed his seat without a word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another half an hour passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then an officer in full general's regalia entered -and approached Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am here, sir," he said, saluting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The French commander looked up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, General Marcel," he exclaimed. "And what -have you to report, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, your excellency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, sir. I have heard no word from the -enemy since my conversation with you last night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please repeat to me your reply of last night to -the unofficial overtures made through the Swiss -ambassador. My memory is not as good as it once was, -general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I simply repeated your words, sir. I said: 'If -the German general staff desires to ask an armistice -on the western front, the allied forces will respect -a flag of truce.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is all, general?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is all, sir. It was plain enough. The -enemy knows now that he need attempt to gain -no delay by subterfuge. If he is sincere in his -appeal, a flag of truce will be sent from the German -lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly," said Marshal Foch. "In the meantime, -general, I shall order an attack in force along -the whole front."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall report to you the moment there are -developments," said General Marcel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, general. Let us hope the developments -will come speedily. That is all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Marcel saluted and withdrew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch swung again to his secretary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Summon General Magnin," he instructed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The secretary went out hurriedly. He returned a -moment later accompanied by a second figure, -General Magnin, then acting chief of staff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General," said Marshal Foch, "I am going to -order a further advance all along the line. Will -you see that the necessary orders are given, at -once?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At once, your excellency," said General Magnin, -and withdrew with haste.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, that's what I call getting action," Hal -whispered to Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You bet," was Chester's low response.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the French commander became immersed -in his work. He took no notice of Hal and -Chester, who, though trying to be as patient as -possible, were beginning to get restless and to fidget -uneasily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At noon Marshal Foch showed no intention of -stopping work for lunch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can stand it if he can, I guess," Chester told -himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At 2 o'clock the French commander was still with -the papers and maps before him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At 3 o'clock General Marcel entered hurriedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Dupree reports a flag of truce advancing -from the enemy lines south of Rocroi, sir," he said, -his voice trembling under repressed emotion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch was on his feet instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By 'phone?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what else did he say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is all, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Report to your own station, general. -I'll get General Dupree on the wire myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Marcel withdrew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Colonel Matin!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The French commander's secretary was on his -feet instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get General Dupree for me on the wire at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Colonel Matin seized the telephone. Five -minutes later he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Dupree on the wire, your excellency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch seized the instrument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Dupree," he said into the transmitter. -"This is Marshal Foch. Has the flag of truce -reached our lines yet?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," was the response over the wire. "There -seems to be some doubt that it will reach our lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Some doubt? What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The bearer has turned back twice, sir, and—one -moment." The voice broke off and for several -moments Marshal Foch waited impatiently. At -last General Dupree spoke again: "The flag of truce -is advancing again, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good," said Marshal Foch. "I'll keep the wire -open. Inform me at once of what the messenger -says."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For perhaps five minutes Marshal Foch held the -'phone himself. From time to time his eyes -wandered to the mass of papers that littered his desk. -He called suddenly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Crawford!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester sprang to his feet with alacrity and -advanced to the marshal's side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take this 'phone and inform me the moment -General Dupree is on the wire again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester did as commanded, and sat motionless -before the telephone. Marshal Foch, meanwhile, -bent over his desk and buried himself in maps and -papers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not for a moment, it seemed, could this active -man rest. He could not even content himself the -few moments necessary to await further word from -General Dupree. His mind was never idle. He -was busy and active every minute he was awake. -This, perhaps, was what made him the great and -successful military genius he was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A voice came over the wire to Chester's ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your excellency?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He found it unnecessary to apprise Marshal Foch -that General Dupree was on the wire again. At -the first sound of the lad's voice, the French -commander had left his chair and stepped to Chester's -side. Now he took the receiver from the lad's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is Foch," he said. "Well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The message from the enemy," said General -Dupree, "is signed by Ludendorff. In effect, it -requests a meeting between a commission of Germans -and the allies to discuss terms of an armistice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hm-m," said Marshal Foch. "Signed by Ludendorff, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may tell the envoy," said Marshal Foch, -"that to-morrow at noon I shall be at Hirson, -accompanied by my staff. A flag of truce from the -enemy's lines will be respected then as now. If it -is the earnest and true wish of the enemy to seek -means of bringing an end to hostilities, I may be -seen at Hirson at that hour. That is all, general."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch replaced the receiver and returned -to his desk. Then, instead of plunging again into -the mass of work awaiting his attention, he sat in -thought for some time. At last he raised his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It has been thoughtless of me to keep you gentlemen -here all this time," he said to Hal and Chester, -"but to tell the truth for the time being I had -forgotten your presence. Now, I don't know as it -is really necessary for me to send any word to -General Pershing. However, I shall be in touch -with him by telephone shortly, and I shall take -pleasure at that time in informing him that I am -taking you with me to Hirson to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of themselves, Hal and Chester uttered -exclamations of pure astonishment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it is a strange procedure," he admitted. -"Still, it will be well if I have some one besides -French officers when I meet the German delegates. -Do you care to go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, your excellency," said Chester breathlessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, sir," declared Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then go you shall," said Marshal Foch. "Report -to me here to-morrow morning at 6 o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester saluted and took their departure, -their spirits high.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="hirson"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">HIRSON</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Almost due west of Rheims approximately 150 -miles as the crow flies, less than two hundred miles -northeast of Soissons, is the village of Hirson. -Through all the war, this little village, on the edge -of the Franco-Belgian border, had retained its quiet -seclusion. It had been the scene of much severe -fighting during the four years of the war, but -otherwise laid no claim to prominence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But now Hirson was to become historic. In it -was to be written one of the most important -chapters in the history of all nations.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into Hirson on the morning of November 9, -steamed a special train. The Tricolor streamed -from the engine pilot, from the rear car, and -fluttered from each and every window as the train -drew into the little station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the depot awaiting the arrival of the train -stood a group of men. Included in this group was -the burgess, the mayor of the city, and other -officials of the city government.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the train came to a stop a uniformed man -dropped from the steps of the rear car, removed his -hat and stood at attention. Directly other uniformed -figures alighted. These also drew themselves up -to attention. Following these there stepped from -the car an elderly man, smooth shaven except for -a flowing white mustache. Tall he was and erect. -His uniform, though plain, nevertheless proved him -of high rank and it was apparent to the casual -observer that here was the man to whom the others -now paid homage. In fact, a glance showed that -the man who now stepped from the car was of the -highest military rank in France. He was, as his -stars and bars proclaimed him, a marshal of -France—the commander-in-chief of all the allied armies -opposed to the Germans—Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Following him from the car came his retinue of -officers—members of his staff, and a few others -who had been invited to accompany him to the -coming conference with representatives of the German -empire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Marshal Foch left the car, the mayor of the -town hurried forward, and welcomed him to the -city with a series of deferential bows and words. -It is doubtful, so excited was the mayor at the -unexpected honor paid his little town, if the man -really knew what he said; but his intentions were -all of the best, and Marshal Foch accepted them -as such—and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am very glad to be here, Mr. Taylor," he said -quietly, "particularly on such a mission. I know -that the people of your little city will be proud to -be hosts upon such an historic occasion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, ye-s-yes, your excellency," stammered the -burgess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you kindly see if you can prepare food -for my officers and myself?" requested Marshal -Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It shall be done immediately, your excellency," -said the mayor, and bustled away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch turned to the members of his staff -and the others who composed the party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is nothing for us to do at the moment, -gentlemen," he said, "except to prepare ourselves -for the feast. By the way, Colonel," turning to -his secretary, "at what hour did I bid General -Dupree report to me here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two o'clock this afternoon, sir," was the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch glanced at his watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And it is not quite noon yet," he said. "Well, -we have plenty of time ahead of us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Directly the burgess returned to report that -luncheon was served in the depot, and to this -Marshal Foch and members of his staff repaired at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The meal disposed of, it was after 12 o'clock. -The next hour the French commander-in-chief spent -in animated discussion with members of his staff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Hal and Chester, in response to the -commands of Marshal Foch, had reported to him at -the hour appointed and thus found themselves -members of the group that proceeded to Hirson. The -heart of each lad beat high, for both were smart -enough to know that they were on the eve of -historic events.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm willing to bet, though," said Hal, "that the -Germans will go back on their promises."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think so," declared Chester. "They are -aiming to get the easiest terms possible, and they -must be smart enough to realize that the longer -they postpone their cry for peace, the harder will -be the terms imposed by the allies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe so," Hal admitted; "but after four years' -experience with the Germans, I believe nothing -until I see it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You talk like Stubbs," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps; and yet I'm telling you just how I feel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For my part," said Chester, "I believe the enemy -has at last come to the conclusion that they are licked -and want to get out of the mess the easiest way they -can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may be right. It would be just like the -Germans to have wreaked destruction on all other -nations and then to try and crawl out without -paying the cost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't fool yourself about that," said Chester. -"They'll have to pay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm sure I hope so. Personally, I am in favor -of dismembering the German empire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe that is what will be done. Certainly, -with victory in their grasp, the allies cannot afford -to allow Germany to prepare a second time for a -conflagration that will consume the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You wouldn't think so, that's certain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads became silent as Marshal Foch, followed -by members of his staff, approached them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, gentlemen," said the marshal, "are you -glad to be here, or would you rather be on the firing -line with your American forces?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For the moment," replied Hal, "we would much -prefer to be here, sir. I want to say that we are -indeed fortunate to be on the spot where history is -about to be written, your excellency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are, young sir," declared Marshal -Foch, "and if I am not greatly mistaken, history -will be written here—and that very soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The sooner the better for all concerned, sir," -said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch bowed slightly in acknowledging -this remark, the lads saluted and the -commander-in-chief walked away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Chester half an hour later, "I'm -getting tired of sitting around here. I wish -something would happen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard Marshal Foch say that General Dupree -was to report here at 2 o'clock," said Hal "It's -almost that now. Something may happen soon -after that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's hope so. This is tiresome business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shortly before 2 o'clock, the sound of an approaching -train raised the lads' hopes again. Others -in the party also showed keen interest. A few -moments later a train drew into the station. Marshal -Foch and his staff were on the platform.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently there alighted a figure in the uniform -of a divisional commander.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Dupree," said Chester to Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad was right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Dupree hurried at once to Marshal Foch -and the two engaged in conversation when the -formalities of greeting had been exchanged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you say that the German envoys will be -here this evening?" asked Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I have been informed. They have sought -safe conduct through our lines, and without asking -your permission, sir, I have granted it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is well. At a time like this we must not -let a few formalities stand in the way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought you would say so, your excellency, -therefore I have ordered that firing be suspended -all along the line at 4 o'clock, the hour upon which -I am informed, the German representatives will -leave their own lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have done well, General. Now what is -your idea as to their reception?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There should be no formal reception, sir. These -men are coming to sue for peace. As defeated -enemies, so they should be received. We must not -lose sight of the fact, sir, that we are dealing -almost with barbarians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, General," said Marshal Foch, "and yet -I wish it could be otherwise."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may be sure," said General Dupree, "that -they will never be satisfied with any terms for an -armistice which you may offer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will be their misfortune," was the reply. -"But as for my terms, they may take them or leave -them. I shall stand firm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As you should, your excellency. The enemy is -entitled to no consideration."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall be no more harsh than necessary," said -Marshal Foch. "All I am striving to bring about -is peace—peace on such terms as will prevent a -resumption of this murderous struggle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch now turned and re-entered his car -which still stood in the station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall receive them here when they arrive," he -informed General Dupree, who accompanied him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day passed slowly for Hal and Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much as they would have liked to look about the -city a bit they knew that their duty lay with the -others who had come to Hirson, and they stuck close -to the railroad station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hope we don't have to linger here long after -the conference," said Chester. "This is not my idea -of having a good time, at all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nor mine," Hal agreed; "and yet, when we get -back to America we will have something to talk -about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather," Chester agreed dryly. "But I wish -something would hurry up and happen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So do I; but wishing won't do any good."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe not; but it gives a fellow something to -talk about, and that helps pass away the time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day drew toward a close at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester, along toward 4 o'clock, found -themselves close to the telegraph operator in the -station. Suddenly the clattering of the instrument -became more nervous. The operator pricked up his -ears. Then he leaped to his feet excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're coming!" he cried.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-german-envoys-arrive"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE GERMAN ENVOYS ARRIVE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A third train drew into the station. Two French -officers alighted first. These were the men who -had been directed to receive the German representatives -and accompany them to Marshal Foch's headquarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German delegates, who left the train immediately -after them, presented a strange appearance. -Garbed in German uniforms, their eyes were blindfolded. -This precaution had been taken by direction -of Marshal Foch in order that the delegates -might not acquaint themselves with the allied -strength and other military details as they passed -through the lines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German delegates were worn and travel-stained. -It had been a hard trip through No Man's -Land in an automobile. There they rode in the -drizzling rain, over shell holes and under the most -trying conditions. Consequently, they were not in -the best of humor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Immediately upon alighting from the train that -had brought them to Hirson, they were conducted -to Marshal Foch's train.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the rear car, Marshal Foch was busy at his -desk. This car was fitted out with all material -comforts. It was the marshal's private car. In it he -often slept and worked. It had all the comforts -of home and bore some resemblance to a large parlor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His staff stood respectfully some distance away, -while his guests, including Hal and Chester, were -even farther back in the car.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Came footsteps on the vestibule without. Instantly -an air of excitement pervaded the car. Staff -officers, trying to look unconcerned, failed miserably, -and no wonder. Great events were impending. -A man could hardly help showing the strain under -which he was laboring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch was by all odds the coolest man -in the car.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Directly the door opened. In stepped the -German delegates—five of them—and behind them -came the French officers who had been their pilots.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Dupree arose to receive them. Marshal -Foch was still busy at his desk. He did not look up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First the German envoys were allowed to remove -the bandages from their eyes. Then they were -presented to General Dupree, who acknowledged -the introductions with a stiff salute.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it is your desire to speak with the commander-in-chief," -he said to the Germans, "his excellency -will grant you a brief interview. But he is very -busy, so you must be brief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spoke to the commander-in-chief, who laid -down a sheaf of papers and rose to his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch and the Germans saluted stiffly. -Introductions followed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must be brief, gentlemen," said Marshal -Foch. "My time is valuable."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the Germans advanced.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have come," he said quietly, "to learn on -what terms we may accept the armistice you have -offered."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Armistice?" repeated Marshal Foch, "I have -made no offer of an armistice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German officer bit his lip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I understood—" he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Enough of this subterfuge," said Marshal Foch -sternly. "It is my understanding that you come -hither to request an armistice preliminary to -negotiations for peace. If I am mistaken, we are -losing valuable time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch saw plainly through the Germans' -plan. It was to make it appear that the armistice -had been offered by the allies, and not sought by -the German high command. The French commander-in-chief -realized, too, what effect this would -have on the German people. It would bolster their -flagging courage and might possibly result in many -more months of war.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But—" began the German again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is idle to argue," said Marshal Foch. "As -I say, I understood that the German high command -seeks an end of this war. If so, I shall be glad to -state my terms. If not, I shall order an advance -along the whole front within two hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German delegate to whom had been assigned -the role of spokesman bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is our misfortune, sir," he said, "to ask for -an armistice, in order that negotiations may be -begun to put an end to further bloodshed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is different," said Marshal Foch. "In that -case, I shall be glad to state my terms. Briefly, -they are these: That Germany immediately surrender -to the allies quantities of arms and ammunition, -the amounts to be determined later; that a -certain number of war vessels and other ships, -including submarines, be turned over as evidence of -good faith; that German troops, in a specified time, -shall withdraw to the east banks of the Rhine. In -a word, I demand such sacrifices as will preclude -the possibility of Germany renewing the struggle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German delegates uttered exclamations of -protest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir," said the spokesman, "Germany cannot -submit to those terms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take them or leave them," said Marshal Foch, -throwing wide his hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have I your permission to confer with my associates?" -asked the spokesman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch produced his watch and laid it -on his desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will allow you fifteen minutes," he replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans withdrew to the far end of the -car, where they began an animated discussion. At -last the spokesman again approached Marshal Foch -and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid," he began, "that it is not in our -power to accept such conditions out of hand. It -will be first necessary to obtain the consent of higher -authorities than we chance to be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes?" said Marshal Foch inquiringly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had expected something like this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In which case," went on the German, "we have -to request a cessation of hostilities while we return -to our lines for further instructions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is impossible," he said quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German was surprised. Clearly he had -expected nothing like this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir," he protested, "it is utterly impossible -for us to accept these conditions. We have not the -authority. We must secure it from the high command."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is your misfortune," said Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then what are we to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You may return to your own lines at your own -risk," said Marshal Foch. "I shall order firing -stopped for a brief space that you may leave the -allied lines; also, a flag of truce will be honored -again, if you care to return. But in the interval, I -propose to renew the fighting."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the German delegates debated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If that is the best you can do, sir," said the -spokesman at last, "we shall have to be content."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is the best I can do," said Marshal Foch. -"Now let me make a suggestion. It is perfectly -plain that if the sentiments of the German high -command are sincere, the sooner you return the -better for all concerned. Do I make myself clear?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then my suggestion is this. I shall place a fast -army plane at your disposal that you may return -to your own lines the quicker."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we have no pilot," protested the German.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will furnish the pilot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A third time the Germans debated the matter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We accept, sir," said the spokesman at last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch surveyed the group of French officers -in the car. Then his eyes fell on Hal and -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Paine!" he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal stepped forward and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If memory serves," said Marshal Foch, "you are -an experienced air pilot?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal bowed his assent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good," said the commander-in-chief, "then we -need look no further for a pilot, gentlemen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Crawford."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester stepped forward and saluted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will place yourself at the disposal of Major -Paine, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester saluted again and stepped back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Dupree!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officer addressed stepped forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will present my compliments to the burgess -of the town, and ask him to place his largest -aircraft at your disposal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Dupree left the car.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess that is all, gentlemen," said Marshal -Foch. "I shall remain here until to-morrow at this -time, awaiting your return. If you are not back -within that time I shall consider negotiations -suspended!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Paine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Hal stepped forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Dupree, before you leave, will furnish -you with a map showing where you may pass safely -through our lines and at what hours fire will be -remitted at certain points. It will be all the safeguard -you need. I shall continue to advance in all other -sectors. Good day, gentlemen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch saluted the Germans stiffly, and -then signified that the interview was ended by -turning again to his desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester led the way from the car, closely -followed by the German delegates. Outside, they -encountered General Dupree, who announced that -the large army plane would be ready within fifteen -minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal then mentioned the map Marshal Foch had -said General Dupree would provide, and the -general hastened away to prepare it. He returned -within a few minutes and placed the map in Hal's -hands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall issue the necessary orders at once," he -said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He, too, saluted the Germans again and then -took his departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Less than fifteen minutes later the mayor of the -town himself hurried up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Follow me, gentlemen," he said with great dignity. -"Your craft is ready."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the far side of the little town, Hal, Chester -and the Germans came to the machine. No time was -wasted in words. The Germans climbed in and Hal -and Chester took their places.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her go!" shouted Chester, to the men on -the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The huge airplane began to move.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="stubbs-scoop"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">STUBBS' SCOOP</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>To keep in proper touch with all the characters -in this story, it will be necessary for a few moments -to go back several days and give an account of the -activities of Anthony Stubbs, war correspondent of -the New York Gazette.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now when Stubbs left Hal and Chester in Soissons -he had, as he had told the lads, laid what he -considered all necessary plans to make sure that -he would be apprised of the signing of the armistice -between Germany and the allies ahead of any other -of the war correspondents in Europe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Reaching Versailles, Stubbs took quarters in one -of the largest hotels. Now it is a fact, that in many -quarters, even in Europe, it was thought that -General Foch and the German delegates had come -together several days before they really met. Stubbs, -in constant touch with his source of information, -from time to time received so-called details of -progress of the proceedings supposed to be in progress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little man was greatly elated. There were -a score or more other war correspondents in -Versailles and Stubbs managed to worm from them the -fact that they were without information regarding -the armistice. Believing his own information -absolutely true, he naturally felt that he was a step or -so ahead of his rivals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the night of November 9, Stubbs retired early. -The little man slept literally with one eye open. He -didn't intend to miss anything.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He came to himself with a start. The telephone -bell in his room was jingling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wonder who wants me at this hour?" he muttered -sleepily, and turned over, for the moment losing -sight of the fact that this might be the -particular call he was so anxious to get.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bell continued to jingle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May as well answer it, I guess," said Stubbs. -"It won't stop till I do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He climbed out of bed, switched on the lights -and put the receiver to his ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stubbs?" came a voice over the wire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Admiral W— talking. The armistice was signed -this morning at 11 o'clock."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" Stubbs yelled into the 'phone, -jumping up and down excitedly. "Hello! Hello!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the voice on the other end of the wire was -gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In vain Stubbs rattled the hook. He could not -recall the voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May be somebody trying to have some fun with -me," muttered Stubbs. "I can't take a chance on any -such message as that. I must verify it. I'll call -the admiral and see if it were really he on the wire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It took him a good five minutes to get the -connection, but at the end of that time a "hello" was -wafted over the wire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Admiral W—?" demanded Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is Stubbs. Did you call me a moment ago?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then it is a fact that the armistice has been -signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is. I had my information not more than -fifteen minutes ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I just wanted to make sure it was really you -who called," Stubbs explained hurriedly. "Good-bye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He slapped the receiver back on the hook and -literally flew into his clothes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No time for an elevator now," he muttered as -he dashed out the door, through the hall and down -the steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the lobby downstairs half a dozen war -correspondents had gathered in a little knot. They -came to their feet as Stubbs dashed down the steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter, Stubbs?" one called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Stubbs did not stop to reply. Out the door he -dashed, his coat trailing behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was perhaps half a dozen blocks to the cable -office. Stubbs covered the distance in jig time, -formulating his message in his mind as he went.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No time for details now," he muttered. "Just -the flash. I'll get the details later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Into the cable office he dashed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind him the little knot of correspondents -became alarmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The little man knows something," said one of -them. "Don't suppose the armistice could have -been signed, do you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a chance," said another. "We'd have the word."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Stubbs was in a terrible hurry about -something," said a third. "We'd better get busy and -find out what it's all about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They sprang to action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll go after him," said Jennings of The World. -"The rest of you fellows get busy on the 'phone. -Call every man in authority in the city. Some of -them will know something. Doesn't matter whether -they kick about being called at this hour or not. -Get busy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He dashed out the door after Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the cable office Stubbs grabbed a blank and -wrote, in code:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Armistice signed this a.m. at eleven o'clock at -Hirson. Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The message he handed to the clerk with instructions -to rush it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That'll be enough," said Stubbs. "They'll know -at the office what to do with it. They'll probably -write columns at that end describing the scenes at -Hirson between Marshal Foch and the German -delegates. There'll be pictures and everything. Now -I'll go and learn a few of the details."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He encountered Jennings of The World as he -moved toward the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Stubbs," said Jennings, "why all this -rush. You're not going to leave the rest of us out -in the cold, are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not working for you fellows," he replied. -"The New York Gazette is paying me my weekly -stipend, but I don't mind saying I've landed a big -piece of news."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings attempted to minimize the matter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I guess it's not so terribly big," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Stubbs smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess again," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I say, Stubbs, give me a hint."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a hint," declared Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, all right," said Jennings, "but you'll be -sorry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not half as sorry as the rest of you'll be when -you hear from home after The Gazette is on the -street," declared Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings looked at Stubbs closely. The latter -was clearly excited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! He must know something," Jennings -decided. "I can't waste time here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned on his heel and was gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour later, after Stubbs had made ineffectual -efforts to learn from Admiral W— details -of the signing of the armistice, he gave it up for -the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know no more than I have told you," said the -admiral. "I should have the details in the -morning. Call me then."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs returned to his hotel. Again he was -surrounded by the other correspondents who, after -trying all their channels of news, had failed to learn -anything of importance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come across, Stubbs," said one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not yet," said Stubbs. "But I'll tell you what. -I'll give you my news one hour from now. That -will assure The Gazette of a beat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He remained deaf to all urging, and directly the -other correspondents gave it up as a bad job.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings, watch in hand, an hour later said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Stubbs, time's up. What's your news?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Stubbs quietly and with an air of -great importance, "the armistice has been signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?" yelled Jennings. "You're crazy, man! -There has been no conference yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nevertheless, it's true," said Stubbs. "I have -my information from unimpeachable sources."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who told you?" demanded Timothy, of The Mail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've been in the game long enough to know -a newspaperman doesn't divulge the source of -information, Timothy," said Stubbs. "Nevertheless, -I can say that it came from a very high source."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Jennings, "I don't believe it. I'm -not going to flash my paper on any such information. -I'm standing pat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Same here," declared Timothy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And here," "and here," chimed in the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suit yourselves," said Stubbs with a shrug. -"You'll probably get the word in the morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He returned to his room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In spite of the fact that the other correspondents -declined to take Stubbs' words as gospel, it was an -uneasy group of men Stubbs left behind him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All night long they tried in vain to confirm the -signing of the armistice. It could not be done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs came downstairs again at 7 o'clock. Once -more he was surrounded by the correspondents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boys," he said, "I shall call my source of -information now. If I get the details, I will tell you -where you can verify them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He entered a telephone booth, where he remained -for perhaps ten minutes. When he emerged again, -his face was drawn and he walked with the air of -a man who has lost his last friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," demanded Jennings, "what have you to -tell us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boys," said Stubbs slowly, "my days in the -newspaper business are ended. I have just committed -the cardinal sin. I have sent false information to -my paper, though in good faith. The armistice has -not been signed. Admiral W— has just informed -me his information was premature. What his -message should have said is that the conference is in -session. My resignation shall be cabled to The -Gazette together with my retraction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sadly the little man walked away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! that is tough," commented Timothy. -"Yet, with such information I should have done -the same. Well, our jobs are saved, but I'll bet -Stubbs' resignation will be unnecessary. He's fired -right now, though he doesn't know it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so it was none other than Anthony Stubbs -who was responsible for the premature flash that -reached America that the armistice had been signed. -Every city in the United States, almost, when the -news was heard, had declared a holiday. Hours -and days passed and still the news could not be -confirmed. And then the state department issued a -statement denying it. The feeling of happiness -changed to disappointment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in the French city of Versailles Anthony -Stubbs was, at the moment perhaps, the most -disappointed man in the world.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="spa"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">SPA</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The German envoys, returning to their own lines, -were silent as the big airplane driven by Hal sped -across the allied lines. Eyes below were strained -as the craft dashed along, for news traveled swiftly -among the soldiers and word that the preliminary -meeting between the German delegates and Marshal -Foch had not been entirely satisfactory had spread -among the troops.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As General Dupree had told Hal, firing ceased in -the zone that the airplane traversed. Guns snorted -and bullets flew on all other sides, but Hal, laying -his course by the map General Dupree had given -him, avoided all danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the spokesman of the German delegates -Hal had learned that their destination was the little -German village of Spa. It was there that the -German emperor and the High Command was quartered. -Hal laid the nose of the airplane in that direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, in flying, great distance can be covered in -a very short period of time. The plane that Hal -drove was capable of making almost 200 miles an -hour under proper conditions. Hal, however, did -not attempt to get that speed out of the machine. -Flying well above the ground, the craft sped quietly -along at something like 100 miles an hour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was dark when they passed across the brief -expanse of No Man's Land. Looking down, -Chester saw a few twinkling lights. These, he knew, -came from the German positions. Some were -signal lights for the enemy aircraft, others just the -lights usually to be found in a great army encampment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester leaned forward and touched Hal on the -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure you have the right course?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly," was Hal's response, his voice raised -almost to a shout to make himself heard above the -humming of the motor and the purr of the giant -wings of the aircraft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester sat back, apparently satisfied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lights displayed among the German troops -disappeared as the plane continued its journey -toward the northeast. Soon, however, other lights -came into view below.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This," said Hal, "should be Spa, unless my -geography and sense of direction are all wrong. I'll -take a chance, at all events."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost above a score of the lights, Hal shut off -the motor and the machine began to descend. A -short time later it came quietly to earth just beyond -the village. Hal scrambled out and spoke to the -Germans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This should be Spa, according to my calculations," -he said. "Correct me if I am wrong."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right, sir," said one of the German -delegates. "You have done well in bringing us here -in such a short period of time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans alighted, and Chester also -scrambled out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you will come with us," said the spokesman -of the enemy mission to the lads, "we will see that -you are provided with quarters for the night. It is -hardly possible that we will return before to-morrow -at noon, if at all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads followed the Germans into the town. -Before a building somewhat larger than the rest, -the men stopped and the one who appeared to be -leader of the party said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You gentlemen wait here. I will go within and -see that quarters are provided for the young Americans."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He motioned the lads to follow him, which they -did. Inside a German officer barred their progress, -but the German soon set the man's doubts at rest, -and the latter stepped aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain," said the German envoy, "these gentlemen -have brought us back from the allied lines, -and will conduct us there again to-morrow should -it be necessary for us to go. You will kindly see -that they have all necessary accommodations for the -night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I shall leave them to you. I will return -for them to-morrow some time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German bade the lads good night and took -his departure. The German captain addressed them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kindly follow me, sirs," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads did so. Along a long hall they were -led. Then they turned into a large room at the -far end of the hall. Inside were a dozen or more -German officers. The captain led the way toward -a door across the room. All eyes were turned on -the lads as they stepped across the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there came an exclamation from a man -who sat near, as Hal and Chester passed. A chair -scraped the floor and a man sprang up and -confronted them. Hal and Chester looked into the eyes -of General Knoff, the German general whose daughter -Chester had befriended in Sedan some weeks -before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So," said the general confronting the lads with -a gleam of anger in his eyes, but his gaze resting -particularly upon Hal, "so you made fools of me -in Sedan, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal smiled. He was perfectly safe now and he -knew it. Not a man there nor in the German lines -any place for that matter would dare harm the -officer who had piloted the German envoys back from -their tryst with Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It had to be done, General," said Hal, still smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," protested the general, "why was it necessary -for you to pick me for your tool?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We wouldn't have done that, General," said Hal, -"had you not been so insistent upon our having -breakfast with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said General Knoff, "it would appear -that the fates are just, after all. I have no doubt -that it was information you gained from me that -spoiled our plans."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no doubt of it either, sir," Hal smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And such being the case," the general continued, -"I shall see to it that you are tried as spies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we are in American uniform now, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You weren't then," was the reply, "as I stand -willing to prove. No; I shall have you shot. No -man can make a fool of me and live."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can't do that, sir," said Hal, quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't, eh?" exclaimed the general. "I would -like to know what is to prevent me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal's smile seemed to infuriate the general.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Captain," he said, "you will place these men -under arrest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German captain saluted respectfully, but he -shook his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is impossible, sir," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" demanded General Knoff angrily. -"Do you dare dispute my orders?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only when I have previously received commands -from your superiors, sir," was the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"These young Americans," the captain explained, -"have safe conduct in our lines. I only know they -have piloted our delegates who have been discussing -an armistice with the French commander-in-chief. -I cannot arrest them, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see," said General Knoff. "You are perfectly -right, captain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stepped close to Chester and extended a hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As a military measure," he said, "I would have -you shot for what I know, but I want to thank -you again for a service you rendered me in Sedan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester was taken absolutely by surprise. -Nevertheless he grasped the general's hand, for that -was what seemed to be expected of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad I was on hand at such an opportune -moment, sir," the lad replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So am I," said the general. "You know my -name, of course. When the war is over, should you -chance to be in Berlin, it would give me pleasure to -entertain you at my home in Berlin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Chester. "Should I -chance to be in Berlin at any time, I shall avail -myself of your offer, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general bowed slightly, insisted on shaking -hands with Hal also, and then said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, gentlemen, you are probably tired from -your trip, so I will not detain you longer. Captain, -I leave the young Americans to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads followed the German captain from the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their quarters for the night were commodious, -though not richly furnished. However, as Hal -said: "I have slept in whole lot more unpleasant -places and thought I was doing well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's plenty good for me," Chester agreed. "By -the way, Hal, has it occurred to you that we may -return to Hirson to-morrow alone?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, that the German high command may refuse -to accept Marshal Foch's terms, and refuse to -negotiate farther."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hardly likely," said Hal. "My view is that the -Germans are so anxious for peace that they will -accept almost any terms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope I'm wrong, of course," said Chester. -"but I am simply judging by what one of the -envoys said about 'if' they returned to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard him," said Hal, "but at the same time -I don't take much stock in any such statement. In -the first place, these envoys don't have any more -to say about what terms they shall accept than I do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, they don't, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course not. It is the German high command, -that will make that decision. The delegates will do -whatever they are instructed to do. They are -merely the representatives of the powers that be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nevertheless," said Chester, "if they sign terms, -the terms will be binding."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course; unless it should be that the Germans -consider the agreement simply another 'scrap of -paper,' as they did the Belgian treaty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think the Germans have learned a thing or -two," said Chester. "I don't believe they'll ever -try such tactics again. They have at least learned that -the majority of nations are honorable, and that they -are in honor bound to respect treaties."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us hope so," said Hal. "Now we've talked -enough. I vote we turn in. We may have a hard -day to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right. It suits me. And here is one night -we will sleep within the German lines in comfort, -for we will not have to be on the watch for enemies -and fear possible discovery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," agreed Hal, "and at the same time we -are here in the line of duty. Well, me for the hay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a very elegant expression, perhaps," said -Chester with a grin, "but very much to the point. -Me for the hay, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ten minutes later both lads were fast asleep.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-kaiser-abdicates"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE KAISER ABDICATES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was another historic conference that Hal and -Chester attended the following morning. It is true -they were not invited guests; neither, perhaps, were -they supposed to overhear the nature of historical -facts as they were written that day. It was, most -likely, an oversight that permitted them to be near -when the German emperor signed a formal decree -of abdication.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It still lacked a few minutes of 7 o'clock on the -morning of November 10 when Hal and Chester -turned out, greatly refreshed by a good night's sleep. -They strolled from the house where they had spent -the night, and for perhaps an hour took in the sights -about the German city. Then they returned to -their temporary quarters, for, as Hal said, "there -is no telling when we shall be wanted and it is just -as well to be there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was half an hour later when a German officer -appeared and instructed them to follow him. This -the lads did without hesitancy. Their guide led -them to a distant part of the village, where an -extraordinary array of tents told the lads that they -were near important personages in the German -ranks. The guide showed them into a tent -somewhat smaller than the rest, where he left them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After they had been alone perhaps twenty minutes, -Hal explored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he said, "if these fellows don't hurry -they won't get back to Marshal Foch's rendezvous -until too late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I guess they'll get there in time all right," -replied Chester. "At least they will if they know -what's good for them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Hal, peering through the canvass door -at one end of the tent, ascertained that the door of -the second tent in some unaccountable manner had -been left open. Also, the lad perceived that the -tent was filled with uniformed figures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something going on," he said to Chester in a -low voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester stepped forward and peered over Hal's -shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There certainly is," he agreed. "Wonder if we -will be able to hear what they say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess we can," said Hal. "I don't like to -eavesdrop, but we might learn something that will help."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess the end will justify the means," said -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They became silent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was clear to both lads that the figures in the -tent were awaiting the arrival of another person. -And presently the latter came; and when he entered, -the tent both lads stifled exclamations of surprise -with difficulty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what do you think of that!" Chester ejaculated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! I didn't know he was in this part of -the field," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the man who had just entered the tent was -none other than the German Emperor, Wilhelm II.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gazing more closely, the lads made out other -familiar figures. There was, first, General -Ludendorff, chief of the German staff; General Von -Hindenburg, and newly created Chancellor Ebert. Also -the tent was crowded with other notables, both -military and civilian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the kaiser who spoke first. Straining -their ears, the lads were able to catch every word -that was uttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, gentlemen," said the kaiser, "I am here -at your request. What is it you desire of me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was General Ludendorff who replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your majesty, it is my painful duty to acquaint -you with the terms laid down by the enemy -commander-in-chief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are they?" demanded the kaiser briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In as few words as possible, General Von Ludendorff -outlined the terms of an armistice as Marshal -Foch had presented them to the German envoys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser fidgeted impatiently until his chief -general had concluded. Then he burst out:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall accept no such terms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Ludendorff bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As I supposed you would answer, your majesty. -Nevertheless, it again becomes my duty to acquaint -you with other unpleasant facts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German emperor appeared surprised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Explain, sir," he said briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again General Ludendorff bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, your majesty," he said, "it must be plain -to you that the war is lost to German arms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not at all," said the kaiser. "I still have -millions of men in the field, and there are others who -yet may take up arms."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very true," said General Ludendorff, "they may -be able to take up arms if they will. The trouble -is, your majesty, that they probably will decline -longer to wage a losing fight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German emperor started back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" he exclaimed in a loud voice. "The -German soldier refuse to obey my commands?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly, your majesty," said General Ludendorff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any such men shall be instantly shot," declared -the kaiser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That would be all very well, Sire," said General -Ludendorff, "if there remained any to carry out -the sentence of execution."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser began to catch a glimmer of the true -situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean," he asked in a low voice, "that my -men will refuse to fight longer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again General Ludendorff bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Precisely, your majesty," he said quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser dropped abruptly into a chair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should have been warned," he muttered. "I -should have been warned. For years I have seen -this coming, and yet I would not take heed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rose to his feet again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me," he said to General Von Ludendorff, -"what are your sentiments in this matter, General?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same as the sentiments of the soldiers, your -majesty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean that I must accept the enemy's terms?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, your majesty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I won't do it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is yet an alternative," said General -Ludendorff slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that?" demanded the kaiser, his voice hopeful.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Abdication," said General Ludendorff quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser stepped quickly forward and raised -his right hand. General Ludendorff stepped quickly -back several paces.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should strike you down where you stand," -said the kaiser, lowering his arm and letting his -hand play with the hilt of the sword that he wore -at his side. "Give up my throne, and throw my -people upon the mercy of the enemy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The people would be very glad to be thrown -upon such mercy," said General Von Hindenburg, -now stepping forward. "Your majesty, let me add -my voice to that of General Ludendorff. I have -fought for you as best I know how, but it has been -a losing fight, as we have known, almost from the -first. Something must be done, and that at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you, too, general, urge that I renounce the -throne?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do, Sire, most emphatically."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser's face grew grave. Apparently such -a thing as abdication had never entered his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, gentlemen," he said at last, "I shall give -my decision when my son, the Crown Prince, -arrives, which should be in a very few moments."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officers in the tent bowed low. Wilhelm II -was still emperor, and would be until he had signed -a formal decree of abdication. As officers of the -emperor it was the duty of every man present to -serve him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the kaiser had predicted, the Crown Prince, -known more familiarly in allied circles as the -"clown prince," because of his peculiar appearance, -entered the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He slapped his father familiarly on the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter?" he demanded. "Have the -allies taken Berlin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser smiled feebly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Even worse, if possible, son," he said. "These -gentlemen here," and he swept the interior of the -tent with his arm, "ask that I renounce the throne -of Germany so that my people may have peace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Crown Prince stepped back as though he had -received a blow in the face. He recovered himself -quickly, however, and said quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please repeat that again, Sire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The kaiser did so, and for a space of perhaps -five minutes there was silence in the tent. Then -the Crown Prince said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Sire, what are you going to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Abdicate," said the kaiser briefly. "I shall -abdicate in your favor. You may treat with the enemy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold on," ejaculated the Crown Prince. "You -don't need to abdicate in my favor, sir. I don't -want to be emperor, not under present conditions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you afraid?" demanded the kaiser sternly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Crown Prince was not to be bluffed like that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe I am, and maybe I'm not," he said doggedly; -"but I'm not going to be left in any such -plight as this. You may wager on that, sir. If -you abdicate in my favor, I shall follow suit, your -majesty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As you will," said the kaiser. "I, at least, shall -abdicate, and that at once. General Ludendorff; -how soon can you have the necessary papers prepared?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have already had them prepared, your majesty," -was General Ludendorff's response. "I had -hoped that you might see the light."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Play the coward, you mean, eh?" said the kaiser. -"But no matter. Put the paper before me and I -shall sign."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From his pocket the general produced a long -parchment, which he laid on the table. As his -officers gathered about him, the German emperor read -the paper carefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't seem to have had much doubt about -how I would act," he commented dryly. "Well, -perhaps it is for the best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He seized a pen and scrawled his name across -the paper. He stepped back and looked at General -Ludendorff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps," he said, "you have Had a similar -paper drawn for the Crown Prince to sign?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have," said General Ludendorff briefly. "I -have overlooked nothing, Sire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it would seem," said the Crown Prince -angrily, "but I shall sign just the same."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He attached his signature to a second paper -produced by General Ludendorff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And thus ended the rule of the family of -Hohenzollern.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-trouble-again"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IN TROUBLE AGAIN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Hal and Chester, from their place of concealment, -had been interested spectators of the abdication -of the German emperor, and his son, the -Crown Prince.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" said Hal, drawing back, "this is a -sight we can brag about the rest of our natural -lives."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should say so," agreed Chester. "And so the -kaiser has abdicated. Who would have thought it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly not the kaiser himself four years ago," -was Hal's response. "But it just goes to show that -right is bound to triumph in the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it does. Now I suppose the signing of the -armistice will be only a matter of form."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should judge so. But who will sign the -armistice for Germany?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Chancellor Ebert, I imagine," said Chester. "He -should be the proper man to do so now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I guess we'll know soon enough," said -Hal. "But see, the conference is breaking up. We'd -better get back a bit. No need having them learn -we have overheard what has happened."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads drew back to the far end of the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Perhaps fifteen minutes later the man who had -acted as spokesman for the German delegates at -the conference with Marshal Foch entered the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see you are still here," he said, smiling slightly. -"We shall be ready to return to your lines soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir," said Hal, "we await your pleasure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man withdrew.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Hal, "I guess the war's as good as -over. Of course, it will be weeks and perhaps -months after the armistice goes into effect before -peace is signed, but I guess there will be no more -fighting."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope not," said Chester. "It's true enough -that we've had a good time in Europe, such as it is, -but how much better it will be when men turn their -energies to up-building instead of destroying."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True," agreed Hal, "and yet we know that until -German militarism was destroyed, nothing was safe -in this world. The war has been a benefit to mankind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From that standpoint, you are right, of course; -and still, it would seem that there must be better -ways than by wholesale killing. It is a long ways -from being pleasant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is indeed. I shall be glad when it is over. -I don't believe there will ever be another war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I wouldn't go as far as to say that," said -Chester. "I suppose that as long as there are -nations, and men think as they do now there will be -war. Of course, some day nations will come to -observe the Golden Rule, and then wars will cease."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I heard Colonel O'Neil say the other day," said -Hal, "that wars will cease only when men quit -thinking war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A very apt remark, by Jove!" said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Further conversation was prevented by the -entrance of half a dozen figures, one of them the -German delegate who had left the tent a few -moments before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will be moving any time you are ready, -gentlemen," he said, addressing Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are ready now, sir," was the lad's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good! Then there is no need to delay. Let us go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester followed the Germans from the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Straight to the airplane in which Hal had piloted -the Germans to their own lines from Hirson the -Germans led the way. Beside the machine, they -came to a stop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This trip," said the spokesman to Hal, "you shall -carry a more distinguished personage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, sir," said Hal with a slight bow. -"Who, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Chancellor Ebert," was the reply. "However, -it is not desired that his departure be known; -besides which, he will go incognito, his identity to be -revealed only to Marshal Foch, and to be kept -secret after that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I see," said Hal. "I shall never mention the -matter, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was sure I could depend on you. And your -brother officer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can answer for him, too, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is well. Then we may as well move."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stepped aside to allow the German chancellor, -a man of slight stature but imposing countenance, -to enter the craft. The latter climbed in nimbly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others followed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal was about to take his place in the pilot's -seat when there was a sudden interruption.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Came a body of infantry forward at the double -and there was a shouted command to halt. Chancellor -Ebert stood up in the airplane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment, sir," he said to Hal, and raised a hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The leader of the advancing troops, catching sight -of the chancellor, halted his men and came to -attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What can I do for you, sir?" demanded Chancellor Ebert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is a rumor about the camp," said the -other, "that the emperor has renounced the throne -in favor of the Crown Prince, who also has signed -papers of abdication."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He stopped speaking and stood expectantly, -awaiting a reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well?" asked Chancellor Ebert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We wish to know if the rumor is true, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what if it is true, General?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, sir, except that my men will obey none -but his majesty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mean," asked the chancellor, sharply, "that -you will dispute my authority?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Herwigs," said the chancellor, addressing -one of his companions in the airplane, "will you -kindly dispatch one of your men for assistance? -It seems there is mutiny here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In response to a command from the general, a -man who had been standing near the airplane -started away. He was immediately halted by the -officer who had accosted the party in the plane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment, my man," said the officer. "You -cannot pass here until I have verified the rumor -of the kaiser's abdication."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"General Herwigs," said Chancellor Ebert quietly, -"will you kindly place that officer under arrest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With pleasure, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs sprang from the machine with -alacrity and approached the officer and addressed -the latter's own men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know me, men," he said. "I have ever -been a stanch supporter of his majesty. But now -General Derloff questions the authority of the -imperial chancellor. I order you to arrest him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was plain that the sentiment of the troops was -about evenly divided. General Derloff immediately -began to harangue his followers, and while the -argument continued the man whom General Herwigs -ordered away in search of reinforcements took the -opportunity to disappear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was out of sight before anyone noticed his -absence. Ten minutes later, while the argument -between the two generals still waxed hot, the troops -meanwhile being undecided just what to do, a -second force of infantry appeared in the distance, -coming forward at the double.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Derloff was the first to see them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quick, men, away!" he cried. "We have been -tricked!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His men turned in confusion and ran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they did so, the loyal troops opened fire on -the mutineers. Immediately the latter, angered, -turned to reply to the fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rifles cracked right and left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The allied airplane, caught thus between two -fires, was in a dangerous predicament.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Climb in here, sir," said Hal to General Herwigs, -"and we will make our escape while we may."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Chancellor Ebert stayed the departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A moment," he said. "I cannot fly while Germans, -through a misunderstanding, are at each -other's throats."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we must go, sir," said General Herwigs. -"Time is growing short. Marshal Foch said that if -we had not returned in twenty-four hours negotiations -would be considered suspended. We have little -time now, sir. Haste is necessary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer Chancellor Ebert stepped from the plane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As I have said," he said quietly, "I cannot go -now, under these conditions. But you may go, -general, you and the other delegates. Before all these -witnesses, I designate you to sign the armistice -terms with Marshal Foch. But I cannot go. My -place is here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir—" began General Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chancellor Ebert stayed further words with -upraised hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Enough," he said quietly. "You heard me, sir. -I am your superior, and as such will be obeyed. -Report to me when the armistice has been signed, and -not before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs, it appeared, was about to protest -further, but the chancellor stayed him with a -gesture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry now," he said. "You have not much time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unmindful of the bullets that were flying overhead, -he turned on his heel and walked toward the -loyal troops, who, still firing at the mutineers, -hurried forward to receive him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs, realizing that to protest further -to the chancellor was useless, climbed in the -airplane again and took his seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No use arguing with him," he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal smiled slightly and made sure that his spark -was set.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready, sir?" he called back over his shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready," was the reply; "and hurry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The huge plane slid gently over the ground. -Gradually its momentum increased until it was -traveling with the speed of an express train. Then Hal -touched the elevating lever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airplane leaped aloft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almost at the same moment, a dozen or more of -the mutineers, who were still facing the loyal troops -firmly, at command from General Derloff, turned -their rifles on the airplane and fired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal, catching their movements out of the corner -of his eye, veered the course of the airplane sharply. -Prompt though he was, he had not acted promptly -enough.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A hail of bullets sang above and on both sides -of him. The plane fluttered like a big bird, -wounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal's heart sank within him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something wrong," he told himself grimly. -"We're hit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester also was alarmed. His fear grew as the -airplane began to descend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter, Hal?" he called.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't know," was Hal's reply. "I'm going to -land and find out."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-battle"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A BATTLE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The descending airplane became the target at -which a hundred or more rifles were aimed. Nevertheless, -it reached the ground without any of its -occupants being wounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Out sprang Hal and Chester and behind them -the German envoys. While Hal darted around to -examine the nature of the machine's injuries, -Chester and the Germans drew their revolvers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the distance, however, as Chester well knew, -revolvers were of no avail against the rifles in the -hands of the mutinous Germans. But from behind, -loyal troops were closing in on the latter. It -appeared for the moment that the mutineers must -yield in the face of this overwhelming force against -them. Several threw down their rifles and raised -their arms in token of surrender. The others, however, -as they retreated before their erstwhile friends, -drew even closer to the crippled airplanes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the German envoys gave a sudden cry as a -rifle bullet grazed his left arm. The mutineers had -now come within range of the revolvers of the little -party gathered about the fallen airplane, and the -latter opened fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Confusion ensued in the ranks of the mutineers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give 'em another," cried Chester, forgetful for -the moment that his companions were Germans. -Nevertheless, his words were understood, and a -second volley of revolver bullets checked the -approach of the enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's the machine, Hal?" shouted Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll have her fixed in a jiffy," was Hal's reply, -as he tinkered with the engine. "Nothing serious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From all sides of the German camp, troops, -attracted by the sounds of firing, rushed toward the -scene of conflict. The mutineers, heavily outnumbered, -nevertheless fought on doggedly. They must -have realized that death would be the penalty should -they be captured, and it seemed to be their -intention of bringing down as many of their former -companions as possible before being killed themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The attack from the rear and either flank had -become so severe that the mutineers were forced to -abandon their efforts to shoot down the German -envoys. Their ranks were sadly depleted now, but -those who were left showed no signs of surrender.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And at last there remained but half a dozen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surrender!" cried a German officer, and ordered -his men to withhold their fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mutineers' reply was a volley that laid the -officer low.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the shot that struck the officer did not kill. -With difficulty the man raised himself on his elbow -and gave a command to his men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kill them!" he said quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three more volleys flared forth in rapid -succession, and when the smoke had cleared away -there was no mutineer left standing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester breathed a sigh of relief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Safe again," he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This outbreak of German troops had an unpleasant -effect on the German envoys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is time we had peace, no matter at what price," -mumbled one to himself. "Our people are on the -verge of open revolt. Those men professed to be -loyal servants of the emperor. It just goes to show -the temper of the masses. Mutiny is in the hearts -of the armies. Soon they would take matters in -their own hands."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right," said another. "It is to be -earnestly hoped that we may have peace and set up a -stable government before rioting becomes rampant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid it is too late even now," declared -the first speaker.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this juncture Hal came from beneath the -airplane with the announcement that the machine was -fit to resume its voyage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please get in at once, gentlemen," he said. "We -have not much time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German envoys stepped aside to permit -Chancellor Ebert to return to them. This the -chancellor did a few moments later, but what was the -surprise of the others when the chancellor announced -that he would not accompany them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My duty is here, it seems," he said quietly. -"Events that have just transpired seem to prove -that. No, gentlemen, I shall not go with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir—" began General Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chancellor Ebert stayed the protest with upraised -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have decided," he said quietly. "You, General -Herwigs, I have designated as my representative. -These gentlemen," and he included Hal and -Chester with the others, "are witnesses to the fact."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other bowed, but made no reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is all, gentlemen," said the chancellor. -"You would better be on your way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs seemed to realize that further -protest was useless. He drew himself up stiffly, as -did the other envoys, and saluted the chancellor. -Then, without another word, he re-entered the airplane.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others took their seats, and Hal climbed again -into the pilot's seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester glanced around to make sure that all the -passengers were ready for the trip.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let her go, Hal," he said a moment later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airplane sped across the ground. Directly -it began to ascend. Soon Hal turned it a trifle so -that its nose pointed toward the distant village of -Hirson, where Marshal Foch and staff were awaiting -the return of the two lads and the German envoys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I hope," Hal muttered to himself, "that -there will be no other delays."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But in this he was doomed to disappointment, -and it was due to the lad's own carelessness that the -trouble came about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking now for the map given him by General -Dupree, which was to mark out for Hal the safety -zones in the allied lines, the lad was unable to find -it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frantically he explored his pockets, the while -keeping one hand on the wheel. He could not find -the map.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now what do you think of that?" he muttered. -"By Jove! I've just naturally got to have that map."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He slowed down the speed of the craft to enable -him to make a more careful search of his pockets. -The search was futile. The map was not there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal turned the situation over in his mind as the -craft sped on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know how," he told himself, "but I've -lost the map. That much is certain. What a -dunderhead I must be, by Jove! Well, what shall I do -now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again he considered the matter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," he said aloud at length, "there is no need -alarming the others, but if I don't have a map to -show the safety zones at certain hours, I'll just -naturally have to get there without one. That's -all there is about that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With Hal to decide was to act. He acted now, -and without further thought of the danger that lay -ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The speed of the plane increased, and it soared -higher into the heavens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's safer up here," the lad told himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airplane had now passed from over the German -lines, so it was clear that the danger that Hal -feared, whatever it was, was not from German -aircraft. What worried the lad was the fact that -he might be unable to run safely the gauntlet of -allied machines that were patrolling the sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once sighted by allied pilots, Hal knew, and -there would be trouble. Any plane approaching -from the direction of the German lines, and not in -that section of the field designated as a safety zone -by General Dupree, Hal was perfectly well aware, -would incur the suspicion of whatever allied -airman sighted it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He might let me explain, and he might not," -the lad told himself. "Best way, I guess, is to keep -out of their reach."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lad made out the forms of several sky fighters -several miles away. Of these he had no fear, however, -for the distance was too great and they seemed, -if anything, to be moving away from his machine. -But soon the boy saw half a dozen craft, in close -battle formation, bearing down on him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here they come, ready for business," he muttered, -"and they're Frenchmen, too, judging from -here. Well, we'll have to go up a little higher and -see if we can't dodge them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airplane went higher in the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the craft bearing the German peace envoys -had been sighted by the pilot of the air fleet, and -the entire squadron now dashed toward Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Came a rifle shot from the distance and Hal -heard the whine of a bullet not a great distance -from his ear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too close for comfort," the lad muttered. -"Now here is a case where I'm sorry the French -air fighters are such confounded good marksmen. -I'll have to see what this craft can offer in the way -of speed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The airplane seemed to leap forward as Hal -touched the controls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The machine bearing the lads and the German -envoys was now many feet above the allied battle -squadron. And, before the commander of the air -flotilla realized what was happening, his prey sped -by him unharmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly he flashed a command to his other vessels -to give pursuit, and the entire squadron turned -and gave chase.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although Hal had not warned the others of their -danger, they were now fully conversant with what -was going on. Plainly the German envoys were -worried, for they had come on a mission of peace -and naturally supposed Hal would pilot them safely -to Hirson without their being molested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Chester had some glimmering of the truth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hal's lost his map," he told himself. "Oh, well, -I guess it won't make any difference. We'll get -there safely enough. Hal is as full of tricks as a -magician. Besides, we seem to be leaving those -fellows in the lurch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was true. The pursuing flotilla was falling behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And directly Hal was so far in advance of his -pursuers that he knew he was safe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now for Hirson!" he muttered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The remainder of the journey was made without -incident, and several hours later the airplane landed -only a few yards from where it had started the day -before.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-conference-resumed"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CONFERENCE RESUMED</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The mayor of the village was there to greet the -German envoys when they stepped from the airplane. -He announced that they would be conducted at once -into the presence of Marshal Foch. He signified -that Hal and Chester were to accompany the party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads saw, as the mayor led the way, that -the conference was to be resumed in Marshal Foch's -private car, which still stood on a side track in the -station yards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Upon the platform of the car stood General -Dupree. He greeted the German delegates stiffly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is late," he said. "We had begun to fear -perhaps you would not return. However, you are -within the allotted time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are later than we expected to be for -unavoidable reasons, sir," said General Herwigs. "In -fact, we came with difficulty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He explained the trouble within his own lines, -but for some reason he said nothing of the pursuit -by the allied airplanes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope he forgets all about it," Hal murmured -to himself. "It was gross carelessness on my part, -and I should get a wigging. However, if he says -nothing about the matter, it's a sure thing I won't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Dupree now showed the delegates into -the car. As before, Marshal Foch sat at his desk, -immersed in a pile of papers. He looked up as the -delegates approached.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, gentlemen," he said, "pray, be seated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He motioned the five men to seats at his table. -Besides these, there were also seated there three -or four members of the marshal's staff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I trust you had a pleasant trip, gentlemen?" -said Marshal Foch politely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so very pleasant, sir," said one of the -envoys, and explained what had befallen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch expressed his condolences, then -added:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now to business, gentlemen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are ready to discuss terms, sir," said -General Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," said Marshal Foch, "but there shall be -no discussion. I have stated my terms. It is for -you to say whether Germany will accept."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have the terms in writing, Marshal?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have, sir. They are here," and Marshal Foch -extended a paper to General Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs read the several sheets of -foolscap carefully. Then, without a word, he passed -them to his associates, who scanned them carefully -in turn. The paper was passed back to General -Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are very severe, sir," said General Herwigs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So they are," agreed Marshal Foch, "but under -the circumstances I can do no better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But surely, sir," said General Herwigs, "you -realize that they are more harsh than have ever -before been imposed upon an enemy by a civilized -nation?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perfectly," said Marshal Foch. "At the same -time, sir, never has a civilized nation wrought such -ruin on the world at large as has Germany in the -last four years. He who plays, must pay the -fiddler, you know, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is there no hope, sir," asked General Herwigs, -"that the terms may be modified?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None," said Marshal Foch briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the space of perhaps five minutes General -Herwigs was silent. Then he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will grant me a few moments' private -conversation with my associates, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As many as you choose," replied Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German delegates retired to the far end of -the car, where they conversed in low voices for -perhaps ten minutes. Then they returned to their -seats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Since you insist upon these terms," said General -Herwigs, "I want to record formal protest -against their severity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It shall be duly recorded, sir," said Marshal -Foch gravely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And," continued General Herwigs, "as you refuse -to modify them, there is only one thing Germany can do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was an air of expectancy in the car. Hal -felt his breath coming quickly. Chester's hands -clenched and unclenched nervously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At General Herwigs' last words, it seemed to -both lads that he was about to defy Marshal Foch. -Neither lad was able to place any other construction -on his words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is?" asked Marshal Foch, answering -General Herwigs' last statement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is to accept the terms, sir!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Foch got to his feet and took a step forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad," he said simply. "There can be no -one more glad than I that peace shall rest again -upon earth after four years of war."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a subdued cheer from the allied officers -in the car, but these were quickly suppressed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There remains, then," said Marshal Foch, "nothing -now except the formal signing of the terms, -which accomplished, I shall order an armistice -effective from 11 o'clock to-morrow morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Herwigs bowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am ready to sign now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have the authority to speak for the German -people?" asked Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have, sir. Since the formal abdication of the -kaiser and the Crown Prince——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were exclamations of surprise from all -parts of the car. Even Marshal Foch seemed -moved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The emperor has abdicated?" he questioned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir, and the Crown Prince has declined to -take the throne. Chancellor Ebert, now acting head -of the government, has authorized me to sign the -armistice terms in the name of the German people."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is well," said Marshal Foch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The paper was spread out on the table. Once -more General Herwigs read, as his associates -grouped themselves about him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is hard thus to sign away virtually the freedom -of a mighty nation," he said, "but there is no -help for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He signed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the other German delegates affixed their -signatures as witnesses, and Marshal Foch wrote -his name.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the armistice was signed. While formal peace -negotiations would not be begun for perhaps months, -the war was over so far as actual fighting was -concerned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In signing Marshal Foch's terms, Germany -virtually had signed away her rights to be classed as -one of the great powers. Besides agreeing to -surrender the bulk of her arms and ammunitions, she -had announced she would give up her most effective -weapon of warfare—the submarine—the majority -of her undersea craft to be turned over to the allied -navies at a specified time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the terms of the armistice, Germany agreed -to withdraw her armies from occupied territories -to the east bank of the Rhine. It was stipulated -that mooted questions, such as the disposition of the -captured German colonies and the amount of -indemnity Germany would be required to pay, would -be left to the formal peace council of the allies. But, -to make it absolutely certain that Germany would -have to accept the decisions of the peace council, -Marshal Foch, in imposing his stringent armistice -terms, had tied the hands of the foe. Germany, -once the terms of the armistice had been carried -out, would have practically nothing with which to -fight should she desire to resume the struggle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marshal Foch, having pocketed the document, -indicated that the conference was adjourned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no other business before us, I believe, -gentlemen," he said, "so I shall detain you no -longer. I have much work to do in the next -twenty-four hours and I must get about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the door to the car the German envoys saluted -the French commander-in-chief before taking their -departure. Marshal Foch returned the salute stiffly. -Upon suggestion of General Dupree, Hal and Chester -were to take the German envoys back to their -own lines. Neither lad was greatly pleased with the -task, but there was no use of protest. The trip was -made in record time, but when Hal and Chester -returned to Hirson in the airplane, they found that -Marshal Foch and his staff had gone to Soissons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did the commander-in-chief leave any instructions -for us?" Hal asked of the mayor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None," was the reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then we must report to him in Soissons," -declared Chester. "We may not return to our own -command without his permission, Hal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are, Chester. Well, as long as we -have this plane at our disposal, we shall continue -to Soissons in it, if our good mayor here has no -objections."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None, sir," said the burgess of Hirson. "I am -proud to be honored, as is every one of my fellow -citizens. This has been a great event for Hirson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And for the world," said Hal briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very true, sir," replied the burgess; "and for -the world. But the plane is yours, if you will have -it. After 11 o'clock to-morrow morning, we will -have need of no such messenger of the air."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not for warlike purposes, at all events, I trust. -Many thanks, Mr. Mayor. With your permission, -we will be on our way at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mayor bowed and insisted upon shaking -hands with each. Then the lads repaired again to -their machine and climbed in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's one trip we'll take without fear of -danger," said Chester, as Hal touched the controls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Hal agreed. "By the way, the mayor -made us a present of this airplane. I've a good -mind to keep it and take it back to America."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Guess the French government would have something -to say about that," laughed Chester. "However, -you can try it if you want to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," returned Hal, "guess I'd better leave it -here. I've had trouble enough in the last few years -and every German is my enemy. I don't want to -make any more, particularly among our friends, -the French."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plane was now speeding through the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Step on her, Hal!" cried Chester. "I want to -get back to Soissons and then to our own command. -Remember, the armistice doesn't become effective -until 11 o'clock to-morrow morning. The fighting -is not over yet. We may have a chance for a little -more fun before it's all over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove!" Hal ejaculated. "You're right. I -hadn't thought of that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plane dashed forward faster than before.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="stubbs-redeems-himself"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">STUBBS REDEEMS HIMSELF</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Now, it is a fact that for some hours after the -armistice between Germany and the allies was -signed the matter was kept secret, for some reason -or other. To this fact was due, in a large measure, -Anthony Stubbs' ability to redeem himself for the -false information he had sent his paper some days -before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Much disgusted with himself over the false -"scoop," Stubbs had left Versailles, more to escape -the jibes of his fellow war correspondents than for -any other reason.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The afternoon of November 11 found him again -in Soissons, where he had parted from Hal and -Chester several days before. The little man was -very morose, and not without reason. So far he -had received no reply from his cablegram to The -Gazette, announcing that the previous information -was untrue; but he was expecting an answer momentarily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And at last it came. It read like this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your error made us ridiculous. Sending man -to relieve you. In meantime, depend upon you to -keep us posted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'll keep them posted, all right," said Stubbs, -"but it won't do me any good now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was late in the afternoon when Stubbs ran -into Hal and Chester, who had recently left Marshal -Foch after reporting to the latter on their -return from Hirson, where the armistice had been -signed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, hello, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester. "What -are you doing here? I thought you were in Versailles."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was," said Stubbs, "but I didn't stay very -long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the reason for your return here?" -demanded Hal. "I thought you wanted to be where -you could save time when you got word of the -signing of the armistice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did," said Stubbs, "and that's the trouble. I -got word two days ago that the armistice had been -signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it hadn't," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I know that now," said Stubbs sorrowfully, -"but it would have saved me a lot of worry had I -known it then."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't mean to tell me that you filed that -dispatch to your paper, Mr. Stubbs," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did," replied Stubbs briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Scott! Then it's a wonder you haven't -been fired by this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have," said Stubbs, briefly again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?" exclaimed Chester. "Fired from The -Gazette, Mr. Stubbs?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly; and I don't blame The Gazette, either."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how on earth did you come to file such a -report?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I had it from a source that should have -been authentic."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From whom, may I ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Admiral W——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the admiral should have known better," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe he should have," said Stubbs; "trouble -is he didn't."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now that's too bad, Stubbs," declared Chester -sympathetically. "I'm certainly sorry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So am I," declared Stubbs grimly. "But that's -the trouble with the newspaper game. You never -get any credit for what you do, but you are always -due for a wigging any time something goes wrong."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I suppose The Gazette put out an extra," -remarked Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm dead sure of it," replied Stubbs grimly. -"Here, look at this cable I just received."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal read the cablegram and then passed it to -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pretty tough, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, after -scanning it hastily. "Now, isn't there anything you -can do to redeem yourself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing that I can think of," was the reply, -"unless I could be fortunate enough to get first -word of the real signing of the armistice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester both expressed their surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Scott, Mr. Stubbs!" said Chester, "didn't -you know the armistice had been signed?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I didn't know it," declared Stubbs, "have -you heard anything about it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have we?" exclaimed Hal. "Why, man, we were -there when it was signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now listen here, Hal," said Stubbs, "I've been -in hot water once. I don't want to get back there -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I'm telling you facts, Mr. Stubbs," declared -Hal. "The armistice has been signed. Chester -and I were there when General Herwigs and four -other German delegates affixed their signatures."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you telling me the truth?" demanded Stubbs -excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The absolute truth, Mr. Stubbs," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs looked at them closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! I believe you are," he ejaculated at -last. "And has this fact become generally known?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't see why it hasn't," replied Hal. "The -armistice becomes effective at 11 o'clock to-morrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Funny some of the other correspondents haven't -heard of it," mumbled Stubbs to himself. "Some -of them returned to Soissons with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you'd better get busy, Mr. Stubbs," said -Hal, "or they will beat you to it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then upon your advice," said Stubbs, "I'll get -busy. Come with me, boys, and tell me what you -can on the way. Hurry now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs set out at a rapid pace for the nearest -cable office, Hal and Chester at his heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, as it chanced, there was but one place in -Soissons where, due to war conditions, a cable -dispatch could be filed. The wire from there led direct -to Versailles, where messages were relayed. It was -the only possible means of communication with -the outside world outside of military lines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the door of the cable office, Stubbs encountered -Jennings, correspondent of The New York -World, who had returned to Soissons at the same -time Stubbs had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Stubbs," he grinned. "Armistice signed -again? I see you're headed for the cable office."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, Jennings," said Stubbs. "You -think the laugh's on your side now. Maybe it -won't be later."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not," Jennings admitted, "but if I were -you, I'd be almighty careful of the next dispatch -I sent The Gazette. Chances are your people will -not relish being fooled a second time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Stubbs was well aware of the fact that it -would be possible for only one message to be sent -out of Soissons at a time. So he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jennings, you have been pretty decent to me, -so if you'll come along I'll do you a favor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings looked at Stubbs peculiarly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Something up?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Considerable," returned Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll go along," said Jennings. "I haven't -anything else to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He accompanied Stubbs and the two lads into -the cable office.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Jennings," said Stubbs, "I'm not going -to tell you what's up until I have filed my dispatch. -But you'll have the next chance at the wire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fair enough," said Jennings smiling. "I guess -your stuff is not so awfully hot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe not," said Stubbs. "Wait."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Briefly he scribbled on a cable blank, and passed -the message to the operator. What he wrote was -this:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Armistice signed this P.M. at Hirson by -General Foch, General Herwigs, representing Chancellor -Ebert, and four other delegates. Information -absolutely authentic. Trust me this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," he said, turning to Jennings, "I'll tell -you my news."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's have it," said Jennings, somewhat indifferently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The armistice has been signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings started, then recovered himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what you said before," he declared with -a grin. "Guess I'd better wait and get my -information first-handed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what I've done this trip," replied Stubbs -calmly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why," said Stubbs, "my friends here, Majors -Paine and Crawford, were at Hirson when the -armistice was signed this afternoon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jennings wheeled on the two lads, his face flushed -with excitement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that true?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Absolutely," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without further words, Jennings rushed toward -the operator. But Stubbs was ahead of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold on, now," said the little man. "I'm first -at this wire, and I haven't finished my message yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry then," said Jennings, "and give me a chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You stick close," said Stubbs, "and you shall -have the second chance at the wire. But I haven't -half finished yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Great Scott, man! You've sent your flash, -haven't you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; but I want to add a few details."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, let me get in a few words ahead and I'll -gladly relinquish the wire again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much," said Stubbs. "I have the wire now -and I intend to keep it for the next hour if I have -to file the first chapter of Genesis."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stubbs," pleaded Jennings, "don't be a hog. I've -got to get word to The World. You know that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you should have got your own information," -declared Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, the little war correspondent had been -scribbling busily, from time to time passing sheets -of paper to the operator, who sat with his hand on -the key.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly there was the sound of confusion -without. A moment later half a dozen men rushed -into the room. Stubbs smiled, as he recognized -other war correspondents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm a little ahead of you, fellows," he said -good-naturedly. "Now, I intend to keep this wire for -the next hour. Then I shall release it to Jennings -here. He'll probably do his best for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other correspondents smiled sickly smiles. -They were beaten and they knew it. True to his -words, Stubbs ceased writing an hour later and -Jennings captured the wire. Stubbs turned to Hal and -Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come," he said, "let's be moving. I think I -have redeemed myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And he had, as later events were to prove; for -The New York Gazette was the first paper in -America to announce the fact that the armistice had -been signed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-end-draws-near"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE END DRAWS NEAR</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"WHEE-E-E-E-E-OU-O-O-O-O—BANG!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester raised himself to a sitting position in his -funk hole and looked over at Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gosh all fishhooks! Looks like this was all a -fake about the war being over at 11 o'clock this -morning," he said. "Those shells don't sound like -the end of the war to me. Do they to you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal admitted that they did not. The burst had -almost covered both lads with earth and had been -to close to allow either of them any peace of mind. -"Down!" shouted Chester and again Hal rolled -himself into a knot and wished that his funk hole -was as many inches deeper. He had seen days -when such a funk hole would have been sufficiently -deep, but on that day of all days—half an hour -before the end of the war—a forty-foot well wouldn't -have been any too deep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal's calculation was a bit off. The shell came -whistling in, like the weird cry of a hungry beast, -and exploded in the hollow below the funk holes -in which Hal and Chester found themselves, throwing -up a geyser of earth and rocks that did no harm -to anyone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That guy's as wild as a hawk," came a cry from -a nearby hole. "I could do better than that -myself, and I ain't no artilleryman, either."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You talk like you wanted him to shoot closer," -Hal called back. "That was plenty close enough -for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next shell broke on the brow of the hill. -Then came a whole shower of them, each one singing -its own little tune that struck terror to the -hearts of the bravest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester squirmed down into his funk hole until -he could see the dial of his wrist watch. It was -10.35. In twenty-five minutes more the war would -be over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A moment later American batteries behind them -began sending over reprisal fire. The 75's -passing over their heads whined savagely, but not so -savagely as those boche shells coming in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>(It is a well-known fact that a shell going out -has a different whine than a shell coming in, also -a different effect on one's nerves.)</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Twenty-five minutes is a long time when a man -is hiding from death. To know that in twenty-five -minutes, providing you are alive at the end of that -time, death's shadow will have ceased to follow in -your footsteps, is a great inducement to live.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester found it so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were back with their own command again -after the trying days they had spent with Marshal -Foch and the German envoys whom they had -accompanied to and from their own lines and back -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After leaving Stubbs in Soissons, following the -little man's triumph in flashing first word of the -signing of the armistice to his paper in America, -they had reported to General Pershing in Rheims.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The American commander-in-chief had, of course, -been informed some time before that the armistice -had been signed. So, in fact, had all other officers -in the allied armies. This had been necessary in -order that there would be no doubt as to the hour -upon which the armistice would become effective.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Pershing expressed his pleasure at seeing -the boys again, and his gladness that they had -been so fortunate as to be present at the signing -of the armistice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is an honor that I would have been glad to -have had myself," he declared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a brief interview with the commander-in-chief, -the lads were dispatched by him with a message -to General Rhodes, their old commander, with -the Forty-second division, still quartered at the -front, just to the south and east of Sedan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Following the capture of Sedan, the American -lines had been pushed forward in the face of -determined resistance. Though the fighting was severe, -the Germans did not have such a stiff front as they -had formerly. It apparently was a well-known fact -all through the German army that armistice -proceedings were in progress, and consequently it -appeared that the German officers were not willing to -sacrifice their men needlessly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the American positions had been advanced -despite enemy efforts to halt them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After reporting to General Rhodes and delivering -the communication they carried from the -commander-in-chief, the lads repaired to the quarters -of Colonel O'Neil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George!" exclaimed the colonel, "I certainly -am glad to see you fellows again. You have been -gone so long that I feared you had come to grief. -Where have you been?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Colonel," said Hal briefly, "we saw the -armistice signed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You don't mean it," was the colonel's ejaculation. -"You were certainly confounded lucky. It's -an event I would like to have seen myself. You -must feel pretty important, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so important that we cannot do a little more -before the war ends," Chester said quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is still work to be done," returned Colonel -O'Neil quietly. "Hear the firing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads did not need to strain their ears to hear -the distant rumble of big guns and the sharp crack -of infantry firing, nearer at hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Still at it, eh?" murmured Chester. "You -would think that with the end of the war so close -at hand, officers and men alike would be content -to sit quiet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the contrary, though," laughed Colonel -O'Neil, "it would appear that each side is determined -to wreak what death and destruction it can before -a few written words shall stop this business of -wholesale killing and ruin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it would seem," Hal agreed. "But in the -meantime, Colonel, is there nothing we can do? -We would like to be in this war right up to the -finish, you know, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The colonel considered briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, yes, there is a little work you may do," -he said. He turned to his desk and scribbled briefly. -Turning again, he passed a paper to Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Major Lawrence," he said, "has not yet been -informed at what hour the armistice becomes effective. -This message will enlighten him. Will you -deliver it for me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Chester briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And me, Colonel, what am I to do?" demanded Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, you, Major," laughed the colonel, "you -accompany Major Crawford and see that my -instructions are carried out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It shall be done, sir," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two lads left their colonel and hurried -towards Major Lawrence's detachment, at the -extreme front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Chester as they hurried along, -"looks like our fighting days are over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It certainly does," Hal agreed, "but you never -can tell, you know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True enough. It's as likely as not that one of -us may fall yet before the war ends."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess not," Hal said. "We've gone through -four years of it now. I've begun to believe we -bear charmed lives."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It does seem so, but it only takes one bullet, -in the proper place, to settle that argument."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right enough," Hal admitted, "but I've -a feeling that we shall both live to spend many -pleasant days in the United States."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'm not thinking of getting killed," Chester -declared. "I'm just remarking on what is possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anything is possible at this age of the world," -said Hal sententiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads now had come within sight of Major -Lawrence's detachment. Bullets were flying thick -and fast among the American troops, who had -sought the shelter of long lines of funk holes, until -recently in possession of the enemy. Chester -delivered his message at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Major Lawrence, "I guess we'll be -about here when the war ends. Believe me, I am -not going to order an advance when I know the -war's about over, and I don't think the enemy will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They seem bent on doing all the mischief they -can while they have a chance, Major," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it seems; but I've decided to squat here in -these holes and let them fight to their heart's -content. Of course, should they rush us, we'll give -them more than they bargained for; but I'm not -going to attack myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't blame you, Major," declared Chester. -"But now I've a favor to ask."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Consider it granted, sir," replied Major Lawrence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have been assigned to no particular duty," -Chester continued, "and we should be glad if you -would allow us to pass the remaining hours of the -war with you, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall be glad to have you with me," was the -reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This is the reason, then, that Hal and Chester -found themselves again in the front lines, a scant -hour before the armistice ending the greatest war -of history went into effect.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-last-zero"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE LAST ZERO</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The boche shells were now breaking in the hollow -below the spot where Hal and Chester found -themselves. Hal was congratulating himself on -having a lucky spot in which to witness the closing -minutes of the war, when, just on his right, a -geyser of earth and rock was hurled up by a mighty -explosion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His first thought was of Chester. But after he -had successfully dodged several falling stones, he -peered over the edge of his funk hole and there was -Chester, grinning broadly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How are they coming, Chester?" he called out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Closer than I like," Chester answered. "But -here is an old friend of yours and I am afraid -he has got his."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is he?" demanded Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sergeant Bowers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What? Bowers here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but he's rolling on the ground right now, -and I can't get to him. He seems to be about all in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he dead?" Hal asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester listened for a moment to make sure that -a shell wasn't headed his way, then he took -another peep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I think he is still alive, but is badly -wounded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester, braving the enemy fire, both -crawled out of their funk holes and started for -Sergeant Bowers, who had fallen just outside the -funk hole in which he had sought refuge. But -they were back quicker than a man could say "Jack -Robinson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A shell can be heard coming when it is passing -to one side or overhead, but when it is headed -straight toward you its cry is heard usually after -the explosion, or is drowned out by the explosion. -Common mathematics will show why. Air conditions -also help. If the wind is traveling with the -shell, one stands a fair chance of hitting the earth -before the shell explodes. But if the wind is traveling -against the shell, one hasn't much salvation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In this case the wind was in the lads' favor. As -they both heard the shell coming, they moved like -lightning. It is surprising sometimes how fast one -can move at a time like this.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In taking their places in the funk holes, which -had been dug by the Germans when they were in -possession of that piece of ground, Hal and -Chester had calculated on just one thing—having time -to fit themselves into the holes before shells should -find them. And now that both found it necessary to -make a quick fit of it, they were disgusted with their -laziness in not spending enough energy and taking -the chances necessary to making them big enough -in the first place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why didn't I?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was the question each lad asked himself a -dozen times during the brief space of a moment -they lay there half exposed and waiting for that -which they feared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It broke at last. The earth boiled, up, a mass of -clods and stones, only a few yards in front of Hal. -A piece of shell fragment struck his helmet a -glancing blow; another buried itself in the earth only -a few inches from his nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal crawled out of his funk hole and reinserted -himself, making sure this time that he was below -the surface. By his watch it lacked still five -minutes of 11 o'clock. Almost time for all this -business to stop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At intervals for several seconds, Boche shells -came screaming in, exploding hither and yon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gas! Gas!" came the startling cry down the line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester crawled deliberately into his gas mask, -for the bursts, which he recognized on the moment -as being gas shells, had been too far away to cause -them any immediate alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There followed then a strange, unbelievable silence, -as though the world had died. It lasted but -a moment, for perhaps the space that a breath may -be held. Again Hal glanced at his watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eleven o'clock!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He uttered the words aloud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Eleven o'clock. The armistice was now effective. -Fighting should cease.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Came suddenly such an uproar of relief and -jubilance, such a shrieking of claxons—gas claxons -that shrieked now with pure joy—and such a shout -from both lines that only men possessed of sheer -happiness can utter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester pulled off his gas mask and shouted with -the rest. And even as he did so he caught a faint -odor which he knew to be that of mustard gas. But -nothing mattered now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester piled out of their funk holes with -the rest, waving their helmets and shouting at the -top of their voices. Then, like a covey of quail -scurrying from a hawk's shadow, they piled back -again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whizz—bang!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely ten yards from Chester's hole a shell exploded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wow!" exclaimed a voice. "Who said the war -was over? Marshal Foch'll have to come out and -tell me himself before I believe it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another brief silence. A 75 barked behind Hal -and Chester. Then the battle seemed to start anew, -one of the American batteries firing and then -another; the contest seemed to be between two -batteries of 75's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester could never remember which battery fired -last, but he heard, a few days later, that two second -lieutenants of artillery were haled blushingly before -a general and severely reprimanded for disregarding -the rules of the armistice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After the two batteries had ceased firing and the -roar of the last cannon died out across the valley, -there came a silence that was even more appalling -than the first. It was something like the lull that -follows a terrific thunderstorm, only this storm -had been raging for nearly fifty-two months.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the midst of this ghastly silence, a startling -thing occurred. The sky line of the crest ahead of -the American troops grew suddenly populous with -dancing soldiers, and, down the slope, all the way -to the barbed wire entanglements, straight for the -Yankees, came the German troops.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment there was confusion in the American -ranks. It seemed that the enemy was launching -his troops forward in a desperate charge. -Yankee officers shouted hoarse commands. Gunners -sprang to their batteries, and these were trained on -the advancing foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the excitement soon died out. No danger -threatened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans came with outstretched hands, grins -and souvenirs to trade for cigarettes, so well did -they know the weakness of their foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But neither Hal nor Chester had time for the -Germans. They were thinking of Sergeant Bowers, -who still lay just beyond his funk hole, -apparently badly wounded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal hurried to his side. His face was chalky -white, but his eyes were wide open. Chester also -hurried to Sergeant Bowers' side. The sergeant -recognized them immediately and greeted them with -a faint smile. The lads smiled back at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is the war over?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all over, sergeant," Chester said, "and the -Germans are licked," Hal explained. "Look at -them out there—" and Chester waved his arm in -the direction of his erstwhile enemies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's good," said Sergeant Bowers. "Great -sight, isn't it? It's tough though, to be killed on -the last day of the war, and almost at the last minute."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Sergeant Bowers did not die.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tenderly Hal and Chester helped him back of the -lines where he could receive proper medical -attention. His wounds were dressed and within two -hours the sergeant of marines announced that he -was feeling as fit as ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nevertheless, you'd better lie quiet for several -days," said Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess not," declared Sergeant Bowers. "Why -should a big healthy man like me be idle when there -is so much work to do. Of course, I'll admit I'm -naturally lazy and all that, but I don't like to stand -around and see the other fellows do all the work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All the same," said Chester, "I'll venture to -say that when you get to bed you won't want to get -up again in a hurry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As for that," said Sergeant Bowers, "I never -do want to get up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When night fell on the battlefield the clamor of -the celebration waxed rather than waned. It seemed -that there was no darkness. Rockets and a ceaseless -fountain of star shells made the lines a streak -of brilliancy across the face of France, while by -the light of flares, the front with all its dancing, -boasting, singing soldiers was as clearly visible as -though the sun were still high in the heavens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When morning dawned again, peace and quietness—the -quietness that was strange and unbelievable—had -transformed the front from a roaring, seething -strip of madness into a rest camp. Rather, it had -that appearance until a bugler broke the spell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal was sleeping in the corner of what had once -been a church. Chester was resting comfortably -upon a pile of green camouflage a few feet away. -Sergeant Bowers, despite his wounds, also slept -near by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't get 'em up, I can't get 'em up—" said -the bugler.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You sure can't," said Chester. "Not me, anyway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he turned over and went to sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal did likewise, after one sleepy look at the sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sergeant Bowers merely rolled over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was almost noon when the sergeant finally -crawled out from under his blanket. Hal and -Chester were standing nearby.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the use of getting up?" Sergeant -Bowers complained. "The war's over, ain't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the sergeant and the two lads finally -emerged from the shattered church, the former soon -discovered that life on the front line had become -suddenly complicated by the presence of a young -lieutenant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where have you been all day?" the lieutenant -demanded of Sergeant Bowers the moment he saw him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sleeping," replied Sergeant Bowers briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said the lieutenant, "you're on guard. -You go on duty right now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sergeant Bowers bit of a chew of tobacco and -strode off. But before he went he delivered this -parting shot, addressed to Hal and Chester:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This old armistice," said he sadly, "isn't what -it's cracked up to be, is it?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="conclusion"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CONCLUSION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Thus ended the greatest war in the history of the -world. True, no formal treaty of peace had been -signed, and none was signed until months later. -But fighting ceased on the western front and in -virtually all quarters of the globe on the moment the -armistice became effective.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the days that followed, Hal and Chester did -their full parts with the American troops. They -were with the American army of occupation that -marched to the west bank of the river Rhine soon -after the armistice. As usual, they saw considerable -excitement, but of their adventures with the -Yankee troops in the German interior we have not -space to speak here.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And yet there is one incident that is worthy of -particular mention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The American army had crossed the Rhine and -the Thirty-second division, with which the lads now -found themselves, was stationed in the little city of -Frankfort, only a few miles within German territory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What seemed strange in the minds of Hal and -Chester, and other American officers as well, was -the fact that the Americans were most cordially -received in the German towns through which they -passed. It is true that they were able to relieve the -privation of some German families by distributing -food to the needy, but it is probable they would -have been welcomed anyhow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was because the allied staff believed the -Americans would be more welcome than British or French -troops that the Yankees were selected to form the -bulk of the army of occupation. The presence of -an Anglo-French force on German soil, it was -realized, would arouse the resentment of the Germans, -and this the allies were anxious to avoid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Already rioting had broken out in Berlin and -other German cities. The German emperor, -following his abdication, had fled to Holland, where -he sought refuge under the laws of neutrality. There -was some talk in allied countries of demanding his -surrender and bringing him to trial on a charge of -murder, but this was still being debated when the -American army of occupation was called home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bolsheviki movement, which had originated -in Russia, had spread to several of the German -states and was particularly rampant in the capital. -In fact, there was hardly a town in the German -empire, or in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, either, -for that matter, that was not struggling in the -throes of riot and revolution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several times American troops had been called -upon to assist the German military authorities in -preventing bloodshed in some of the border towns. -So far, there had been little loss of life, but things -were to change as the revolutionists gained power.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German Crown Prince also had fled to Holland, -where he remained secure. The Empress, soon -after the kaiser's flight, also crossed the frontier -of The Netherlands and joined her husband.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime, at Versailles, a peace council -of the allies had been summoned. This council -was to decide upon the amount of indemnity to be -paid by Germany, what was to be done with the -enemy country and other things that would go -toward making a permanent peace. These matters, -it was realized, however, would take time. In -order to facilitate matters, President Wilson crossed -the ocean to be present at the conferences. His -presence helped a lot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal and Chester, walking through the streets of -Frankfort on the Main one night, were attracted -by the sounds of confusion in the river section.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Another riot, I guess," said Hal. "We'd better -steer clear of it. You know orders are not to -mix in unless we are molested."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right," Chester agreed. "Then we'll head the -other way and let 'em fight it out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Accordingly they turned to retrace their steps. -But at that moment Chester caught the sound of -a cry in English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help!" came the voice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hear that, Hal?" he demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; sounds like one of our own men in trouble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then orders or no orders," said Chester, "we've -got to help him out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on then," cried Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads turned quickly and dashed toward the -river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rounding a corner, they came upon a crowd of -struggling figures. Apparently, three men in the -center of the crowd were fighting for their lives -against a mob of German soldiers, who were armed -with clubs and knives. (Under the terms of the -armistice, certain soldiers had been deprived of all -but their side arms.)</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Against the weapons of their assailants, the lads -saw that the figures in the center offered two -revolvers each. With these they were attempting to -stand off their assailants without firing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why don't they shoot?" demanded Chester, as -he dashed forward, Hal at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal did not reply, but the reason was clear. The -three Americans, for such the figures proved to -be, did not fire for fear of arousing greater -resentment among the Germans. They were perfectly -cool, and it was plain they would shoot if it -became necessary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Chester came closer he realized what stayed -the fingers of the American officers. Nevertheless, -he produced his own revolvers before dashing into -the crowd. Hal followed suit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't shoot unless you have to, Chester," the -latter warned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd gave ground as Hal and Chester, -bringing football tactics into play, bore down on -them; and soon the lads were beside the officers in -the center of the circle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, there are five of us now," said one of -the officers, "but you would have shown better -judgment, Major, had you gone for reinforcements -rather than coming to our aid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't stop to think of that," Hal confessed. -"But you are right, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind," said another. "We can fight our -way out of here if it becomes necessary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we don't want to use force," said the first -speaker. "It would be much more wise to overawe -them with a show of force."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no time to talk about that now," said the -other. "But come, I'm in favor of getting out of -here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I," agreed the third man. "See, the crowd -is increasing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you," said Hal. "Five of us should be -able to fight our way through that crowd without -shooting. We'll club our revolvers, and make a -break for it, keeping as close together as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As good a way as any," agreed the first officer, -a colonel of infantry. "As I am the senior of this -party, I suppose it is up to me to take command. -All ready, gentlemen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ready, sir," came the reply from each of the -other four.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then let's go. Forward!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With revolvers upraised, but without a sound, -the five Americans stepped forward. They did not -seem to hurry; they were perfectly cool. But it -was apparent to every German in the crowd that -they were in deadly earnest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment the crowd gave way; then closed -in again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Knives flashed in German hands; clubs were -raised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal, walking close to Chester's side, caught a -slashing knife arm with his left hand, still gripping -his revolver, and twisted sharply. There was a -screech from the German, followed by a snap that -announced the man would not use the arm for some -time to come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Germans sprang forward, and despite the -unbroken front presented by the five Americans, -they were borne back by the force of numbers. It -appeared that the Yankee officers had underestimated -the temper of their foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They retreated fighting, until their backs were -against a house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can defend ourselves here, using our -revolvers if necessary," said the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a better plan, sir," said Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll back up the steps just to our left, sir, and -take possession of the house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And then what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I'll run the gauntlet of the crowd and bring -reinforcements, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bad idea," said the colonel. "We'll try it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little party moved to the left and mounted -the steps, still presenting an unbroken front to their -foes. Chester tried the door. It was unlocked. The -lad opened it and the Americans stepped inside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bolt the door!" cried the colonel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment," said Chester. "Let me out first."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going along, Chester," said Hal quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," said Chester. "Come on. The rest -of you cover us with your revolvers. Tell you what. -Fire a couple of shots over their heads. That will -give us time to make a break. Then bar the door -behind us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He waited for no reply, but darted directly toward -the crowd of Germans, both revolvers levelled directly -into their midst. Hal, keeping close beside -his chum, did likewise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crack! Crack! Crack!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three American officers left behind had -followed out Chester's injunction and fired over the -heads of the crowd. Instantly confusion swept the mob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was the moment for which Chester had hoped. -Into the crowd he dashed, reversing his revolver -and striking right and left. Hal was right beside -him, his own arms flying about like flails.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And almost before they knew it, so sudden had -been their actions, they burst clear of the crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now run!" shouted Hal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester needed no urging. The lads sped over -the ground, while from behind came cries of anger. -Balked of their prey, about half of the Germans -nevertheless gave chase. The other half, as though -by prearrangement, remained to guard the Americans -who had sought shelter in the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Hal and Chester were too fleet of foot for -their pursuers. They outdistanced them easily. The -rest was simple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fifteen minutes later a company of American -soldiers marched to the house where the officers -were hiding and cleared the streets of Germans.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Hal walked through the dispersing crowd, a -hand caught him by the arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aha!" said a voice, "Major Paine, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hal glanced into the countenance of General -Knoff, whom he had seen first at Sedan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And," continued the general, "Major Crawford, -too, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same, general," said Chester, smiling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is good," said General Knoff. "You may -remember recently, at Spa, I invited you to see me -when you come to Berlin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Chester, "and so we shall, when -we get there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," protested the general, "my daughter and -Frau Knoff are in Frankfort. Even now, looking -from the window, my daughter saw you, which is -the reason I am here. I came to aid, but I was too -late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we do not like to impose—" began Chester.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Impose?" exclaimed the general. "Did you not -once render me a service I shall never forget? -Come, now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Laughingly, Hal and Chester accompanied the -general to a house nearby.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is my wish," said General Knoff, "that my -family shall be better acquainted with the -Americans. They are a brave race."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lads bowed their thanks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both the general's wife and daughter expressed -pleasure at meeting the lads again. Hal nudged -Chester slyly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A real pretty girl, even if she is German," he -said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Chester flushed angrily, then smiled as he added:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All we need now to complete the party is -Stubbs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same moment General Knoff, glancing -from the window, uttered an exclamation, jumped -to his feet and left the room hurriedly. Five minutes -later he returned, accompanied by another figure. -It was Stubbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Chester, "if this isn't a miracle there -never was one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I saw him passing," General Knoff explained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you doing here, Mr. Stubbs?" asked -Hal. "I thought you were fired. You might as -well return home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Stubbs. "It's true I was fired, but -I've been hired again. You see, The New York -Gazette scooped every paper in the United States -on the signing of the armistice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Scooped 'em twice, in fact, you might say, -Mr. Stubbs," Chester put in slyly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stubbs frowned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind that," he said. "The war's over and -we are all glad. And I'm glad to be with you here -at this minute. I am assigned to stay with the -American army of occupation, and I suppose I shall -see considerable of you. And it is my hope that -we may all return to America together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general's daughter now placed tea and cakes -on the table, and the general invited all to pitch in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," he said, "we all are friends once more, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neither Hal nor Chester replied; they looked -back over four years of war, and in memory they -saw the ruin and destruction wrought in many lands; -and Chester expressed the sentiment of the American -nation when he said to himself in answer to -General Knoff's query:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, we are not all friends once more—not yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As there was an end to the great world war, so -there must be an end to all things—even to Hal -Paine and Chester Crawford. So, seated comfortably -about a table in the temporary home of General -Knoff, once a general of the kaiser, we shall -take our leave of them, knowing that, in due course -of time, they will return to their homes in America, -where they will live the lives of useful citizens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is no need telling of the voyage home, of -the honors showered upon them. Suffice to say -that when they reached the shores of America, each -wore the United States distinguished service -cross—for bravery and valor in action; and when their -friends address them now, it is not as major.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For out of four years of war emerged Colonel -Hal Paine and Colonel Chester Crawford.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THE END.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">The Boy Allies</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">(Registered in the United States Patent Office)</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold x-large">With the Navy</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold medium">By ENSIGN ROBERT L. DRAKE</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Frank Chadwick and Jack Templeton, young American -lads, meet each other in an unusual way soon after the -declaration of war. Circumstances place them on board the -British cruiser "The Sylph" and from there on, they share -adventures with the sailors of the Allies. Ensign Robert -L. Drake, the author, is an experienced naval officer, and he -describes admirably the many exciting adventures of the two -boys.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES ON THE NORTH SEA PATROL; or, -Striking the First Blow at the German Fleet.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES UNDER TWO FLAGS; or, Sweeping the -Enemy from the Seas.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE FLYING SQUADRON; or, -The Naval Raiders of the Great War.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE TERROR OF THE SEA; -or, The Last Shot of Submarine D-16.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE SEA; or, The Vanishing -Submarine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALTIC; or, Through Fields of -Ice to Aid the Czar.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES AT JUTLAND; or, The Greatest Naval -Battle of History.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH UNCLE SAM'S CRUISERS; or, -Convoying the American Army Across the Atlantic.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE SUBMARINE D-32; or, The -Fall of the Russian Empire.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE VICTORIOUS FLEETS; or, -The Fall of the German Navy.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">The Boy Allies with</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">(Registered in the United States Patent Office)</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold x-large">the Army</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">By CLAIR W. HAYES</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In this series we follow the fortunes of two American lads -unable to leave Europe after war is declared. They meet the -soldiers of the Allies, and decide to cast their lot with them. -Their experiences and escapes are many, and furnish plenty of -the good, healthy action that every boy loves.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES AT LIEGE; or, Through Lines of Steel.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES ON THE FIRING LINE; or, Twelve Days -Battle Along the Marne.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE COSSACKS; or, A Wild -Dash Over the Carpathians.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES IN THE TRENCHES; or, Midst Shot -and Shell Along the Aisne.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES IN GREAT PERIL; or, With the Italian -Army in the Alps.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES IN THE BALKAN CAMPAIGN; or, The -Struggle to Save a Nation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES ON THE SOMME; or, Courage and -Bravery Rewarded.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES AT VERDUN; or, Saving France from -the Enemy.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES; -or, Leading the American Troops to the Firing Line.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH HAIG IN FLANDERS; or, The -Fighting Canadians of Vimy Ridge.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH PERSHING IN FRANCE; or, -Over the Top at Chateau Thierry.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH THE GREAT ADVANCE; or, -Driving the Enemy Through France and Belgium.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY ALLIES WITH MARSHAL FOCH; or, The Closing -Days of the Great World War.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">The Boy Scouts Series</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">By HERBERT CARTER</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS' FIRST CAMP FIRE; or, Scouting with -the Silver Fox Patrol.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE BLUE RIDGE; or, Marooned -Among the Moonshiners.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS ON THE TRAIL; or, Scouting through -the Big Game Country.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE MAINE WOODS; or, The New -Test for the Silver Fox Patrol.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS THROUGH THE BIG TIMBER; or, The -Search for the Lost Tenderfoot.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS IN THE ROCKIES; or, The Secret of -the Hidden Silver Mine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS ON STURGEON ISLAND; or, Marooned -Among the Game Fish Poachers.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS DOWN IN DIXIE; or, The Strange -Secret of Alligator Swamp.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS AT THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA. A -story of Burgoyne's defeat in 1777.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS ALONG THE SUSQUEHANNA; or, The -Silver Fox Patrol Caught in a Flood.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS ON WAR TRAILS IN BELGIUM; or, -Caught Between the Hostile Armies.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>THE BOY SCOUTS AFOOT IN FRANCE; or, With the Red -Cross Corps at the Marne.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">Our Young Aeroplane Scout Series</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">(Registered in the United States Patent Office)</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">By HORACE PORTER</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold small">Handsome Cloth Binding, Price 60 Cents per Volume</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A series of stories of two American boy aviators in the -great European war zone. The fascinating life in mid-air is -thrillingly described. The boys have many exciting adventures, -and the narratives of their numerous escapes make up a series -of wonderfully interesting stories.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN FRANCE AND -BELGIUM; or, Saving the Fortunes of the Trouvilles.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN GERMANY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN RUSSIA; or, Lost -on the Frozen Steppes.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN TURKEY; or, -Bringing the Light to Yusef.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ENGLAND; or, -Twin Stars in the London Sky Patrol.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN ITALY; or, Flying -with the War Eagles of the Alps.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT VERDUN; or, -Driving Armored Meteors Over Flaming Battle Fronts.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE BALKANS; -or, Wearing the Red Badge of Courage.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN THE WAR ZONE; -or, Serving Uncle Sam in the Cause of the Allies.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS FIGHTING TO THE -FINISH; or, Striking Hard Over the Sea for the -Stars and Stripes.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS AT THE MARNE; -or, Harrying the Huns From Allied Battleplanes.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>OUR YOUNG AEROPLANE SCOUTS IN AT THE VICTORY; -or, Speedy High Flyers Smashing the Hindenburg Line.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid -<br />on receipt of price by the publishers</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">A. 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